Hardik Pandya's presence ensures all bases are covered: Sunil Gavaskar

Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was impressed by Hardik Pandya's contribution in the third One-Day International against New Zealand. He said that Pandya's presence covers all bases for the side. 

"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. 

"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. 

All-rounder Pandya seemed unfazed by the tribulations of the past few weeks when he was sent home from Australia tour earlier this month following allegedly sexist remarks made on a television chat show. 

But he was rushed to New Zealand to rejoin the side after the suspension was lifted. 

In the third ODI, which India won by seven wickets, Pandya took a stunning two-handed catch to dismiss New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson. 

He made a significant contribution to India's impressive bowling effort which bowled New Zealand out for 243. 

Pandya delivered figures of two for 45 in 10 overs and choked the run flow during the middle overs.