'Good' to have Hardik Pandya back, provides 'balance to team', says Kohli after 3rd ODI win

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Monday praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya for displaying a spectaucular performance against New Zealand in the third ODI, which the 'Men in Blue' won by seven wickets.

Pandya, who was sent home from India's tour of Australia and subsequently banned after making remarks that were widely condemned as sexist and inappropriate in a TV show interview, clinched two wickets and took a stunning catch to dismiss host skipper Kane Williamson.

Speaking on his return and the performance, skipper Kohli said, it's 'good to have him back'.

"He put his head down and focused on what he needed to do, you can tell from the way he bowled. He is someone who will make important contribution over all. He is someone who provides a lot of balance to the team."

Pandya seemed unfazed by the tribulations of the past few weeks and ended the third ODI with bowling figures two for 45 in his 10 overs.

He was rushed to New Zealand to rejoin the side after the suspension was lifted with immediate effect last Thursday. 

India chase down their 244-run target with seven overs to spare.  

With an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, Kohli signed off his tour Down Under on a high with a first ODI series win in New Zealand in 10 years. 

Kohli has been rested for the remaining two matches and the following Twenty20 series.