India vs New Zealand | Sunil Gavaskar lauds the efforts of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in comeback game

India marched away to another comfortable win to make it three wins from three and seal a series win in their ongoing five-match ODI saga against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli starred with the bat as the Indian bowling department once again impressed against Kane Williamson & Co.

However, there was one new addition to the Indian starting XI on Monday - who was not part of the squad for the first two One-Dayers - Hardik Pandya. The Indian all-rounder played his first game for the national team since he was temporarily suspended by the CoA for the insensitive comments he made on popular talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’.

Former India opener, Sunil Gavaskar, claimed that Pandya’s presence in the squad ensures more stability to the team as a whole in the build-up to the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup later this year.

"He was very, very impressive. You know why this team management wants him in the side. He actually fills that little blank that was there. This allows the team to be balanced. He covers all the bases for the team.

"He's bowled a very good line, he has used the bouncers to very good effect. He has been like a live wire on the field. That's the plus that Hardik Pandya brings to the team. He is such an outstanding fielder. He will get you some impossible catches, get you some terrific run-outs and then with the bat and the ball, he does well," Gavaskar said, reported PTI.

Earlier this month, the hard-hitting lad from Baroda and India teammate KL Rahul were sent home from the Australia tour after their interview caused a major public uproar. It was thought that It seemed that Hardik would also miss the entire tour of New Zealand but the Committee of Administrators (CoA) revoked their interim suspension last week. Now, the fate of the Indian youngsters will be decided by an Ombudsman who is yet to be appointed by the Supreme Court.

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