Hardik Pandya made his much-awaited return to the India squad following suspension with a vital contribution in the side’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui.

Having sat out the ODI series against Australia following controversial remarks made on a television show, Pandya was back in full flow against the Kiwis producing a superb return.

The all-rounder picked up two wickets with the ball while also pulling off a blinder of a catch. Here, we take a closer look at his display in the third ODI.

STATISTICS

OVERS BOWLED: 10

RUNS CONCEDED: 45

WICKETS: 2

MAIDENS: 0

ECONOMY-RATE: 4.50

30-SECOND REPORT

Pandya provided India with the third seaming option with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami taking the new ball. Brought on as first-change, the all-rounder started well with the ball and made run-scoring difficult for the batsmen in an economical first spell. His second spell was even better with Pandya returning towards the death to pick up the wickets of Henry Nicholls and Doug Bracewell.

Apart from an excellent bowling performance, Pandya was impressive in the field as well where he completed a stunning catch at midwicket to bring an end to Kane Williamson’s innings.

A fine bowling display from Pandya.

GOT RIGHT

The 25-year-old did many things right on Monday but his ability to keep thing tight was the most pleasing aspect. The all-rounder can leak runs at times but he displayed good control against New Zealand’s best batsmen in Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor and restricted them from scoring freely.

Pandya got it spot on in his second spell in the death as well and his dismissals of Nicholls and Bracewell in quick succession halted New Zealand’s momentum and prevented them from going big in the final overs.

However, his most important contribution might have come through his spectacular catch to dismiss Williamson with the New Zealand skipper always capable of the big innings.

GOT WRONG

There was not much wrong to pick from in Pandya’s performance in the third ODI. His bowling can be wayward at times but on Monday he looked extremely focused and disciplined with the white-ball in hand.

In the past there have been plenty of occasions where Pandya has not been able to finish his quota of 10 overs due to his economy-rate but that wasn’t an issue at all at Mount Maunganui. His time away from team seems to have done him a world of good with regards to his concentration and that can only be a good thing for India.

VERDICT – 8/10

The balance Pandya brings to the Indian ODI side was for all to see and as such, his return will be greatly welcomed by the team management as they look ahead to the World Cup.

A seaming all-rounder will be crucial on England pitches and with Pandya in the side, India can freely play both Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal who have developed into a prolific wicket-taking duo.

While Pandya did not get a chance to bat, his explosive hitting lower down the order will certainly bring the X-factor to the squad. With his impressive display with the ball and in the field, the all-rounder has wasted no time in reminding the team management of his prowess and it will now be a question of maintaining this form for the next few months.