Indian National Cricket Team veteran Sunil Gavaskar has heaped praise on promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his outstanding return. The 27-year-old had suffered a backlash alongside KL Rahul for inappropriate comments in the Koffee with Karan TV show. Pandya on his return has impressed former Team India skipper Gavaskar during the third One-day International of India vs New Zealand 2019 five-match series on Monday (January 28).
India won the game by seven wickets and 42 balls to spare while chasing the target of 244 in 43 overs.
India vs New Zealand 2019 – What jet lag? Pandya shone in Mount Maunganui:
The 69-year-old Gavaskar has hailed the efforts of Pandya, who straightaway returned into the national squad after the provisional verdict. Gavaskar feels that it takes a lot of courage and commitment to perform when you are making a return in the team. He added Pandya would like to forget whatever appeared following his comments which did not sit well in certain quarters.
“Terrific performance, absolutely terrific performance. It’s never easy [to fly and straightway play a match]. The jet lag can get to you. He is a young man, he has had things that have happened, and he just wants to forget it. The best way to forget it is being out on the field. And this is what he does best,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
However, the duo got suspended on January 11, before the interim suspension (pending inquiry) was lifted on January 24 as Committee of Administrators (CoA) consulted Amicus Curiae PS Narasimha.
In the recent past, Pandya and Rahul have faced severe criticism for their ‘racist’ and misogynistic’ remarks on a TV talk show hosted by renowned filmmaker Karan Johar.
Gavaskar, who is the part of the broadcasting giant, is concurrently the part of Star Sports’ expert panel. He reiterated the professionals want to revel in while donning the national colours with pride.
“Being on the field and playing for the country… that’s what you want,” “That’s the plus that Hardik Pandya brings to the team,” Gavaskar maintained.
India vs New Zealand – Pandya is outstanding on the field: Sunil Gavaskar
The Baroda-based all-rounder has grabbed the eyeballs after claiming a jaw-dropping catch. To cherish it, Pandya leapt to his left to leave Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson (28) dumbstruck. Pandya pulled off a stunner out of thin air at the short mid-wicket region on the bowling of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
“He is such an outstanding fielder. Pandya will get you some impossible catches, get you some terrific run-outs and then with the bat and the ball; he does well. Pandya was very, very impressive,” Gavaskar added.
Earlier, Pandya faced the four-match suspension, and on his return, he bagged two wickets after conceding 45 runs in 10 overs.
India vs New Zealand 2019 – Hardik Pandya adds to the balance: Sunil Gavaskar
Interestingly, Gavaskar has further echoed the words of Indian captain Virat Kohli and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan. Gavaskar reiterated Pandya’s inclusion brings stability to the team. He believes it that was the strong reason to induct him in the squad at the earliest.
“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,” Gavaskar signed off.
Now, India is leading the Netmeds ODI series 3-0, as dynamic leader Kohli is set to head home for a much-needed break. Thus, it allows Rohit Sharma—to seal the ODI series on a high as an interim captain.
Besides, the penultimate ODI of India vs New Zealand 2019 series will be held on Thursday (January 31) in Hamilton.