India defeated New Zealand by 35 runs in the fifth and final ODI in Wellington to seal the ODI series 4-1. Ravi Shastri praised talented allrounder Hardik Pandya, who made comeback to the team in the New Zealand ODI series. Pandya blasted 45 runs off 22 balls in the fifth ODI. The knock included five sixes and two boundaries and he exhibited his finishing prowess to the very best of his abilities.
Indian head coach Ravi Shastri made a special mention of Pandya and said, “And it was great to see Hardik, the way he came back. He’s a natural talent, he is a match-winner. And he showed what he can do today with the bat. Those 20-30 runs made all the difference today.”
The lanky all-rounder was suspended for his sexist comments on the popular television show, Koffee with Karan. The Baroda all-rounder had an instant impact on his return to Indian colors as he scalped two wickets in the third ODI at Bay Oval besides taking a blinder to dismiss New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in India’s seven-wicket win last week.