Pandya's presence ensures all bases are covered: Gavaskar

Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar on Monday welcomed Hardik Pandya's return to the Indian ODI team, saying his presence covers all bases for the side.

Delighted with the way Hardik Pandya has made a comeback to the Indian side, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar on Monday said Pandya's return fills up the little blank that was left in the Indian ODI side.

Pandya, who is facing an inquiry for his loose talk during a TV show, did not get to bat in the third ODI against New Zealand but the 25-year-old bowled and fielded with purpose, taking two crucial wickets and holding on to a brilliant catch.

"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," Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Pandya bowled 23 dot balls in his first spell of five overs and then picked up two crucial wickets in his second spell when New Zealand were looking set to post a competitive total in excess of 260. He first got Henry Nicholls with a slower bouncer and then nicked off Mitchell Santer with a fast outswinger in the next over to push New Zealand back. From a comfortable position of 191 for 4, those two back to back wickets reduced the hosts to 198 for six.

Pandya's brilliance in the field helped India bowl New Zealand out for 243 and then knock off the target with 7 wickets in hand to complete an ODI series win in New Zealand after 10 years. 

"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," he added.

Pandya was sent back home from Australia earlier this month after BCCI suspended him and K L Rahul pending an inquiry for making controversial comments on women.

It seemed that he would also miss the entire tour of New Zealand but the Committee of Administrators (CoA) revoked their interim suspension last week and now their fate will be decided by an Ombudsman who is yet to be appointed by the Supreme Court.