Hardik Pandya made his comeback during the third ODI between India and New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on Monday.
The all-rounder is returning after serving his suspension over the sexism row that occurred during a talk show, where he was accompanied by his India teammate KL Rahul. While Pandya found place directly into the Indian team, Rahul has been asked to play for India A.
Pandya replaced MS Dhoni, who is suffering from a hamstring issue, in the playing XI for the third ODI against New Zealand on Monday. Pandya hardly took any time to justofy the trust the Indian skipper has shown in him.
He began bowling with an economy of less than two but the moment that forced the fans to heaps praise on the returning player was when he took a stunning diving catch off Yuzvendra Chahal's bowling that dismissed Blackcaps' captain Kane Williamson.
It was the second ball of the 17th over, an under pressure Williamson decided to go for a loose shot in order to get a boundary as he was unable to keep the runs chart ticking. However, that move backfired as the ball flew in the air towards the left for mid-wicket where Pandya took a blinder two-handed diving catch.
Williamson's wicket was crucial for Team India, who are looking to seal the five-match series and Twitter did not keep calm as they got delighted watching Pandya giving his everything in his comeback match.
Earlier in the day, Williamson won the toss and opted to bat. New Zealand trail 0-2 in the five-match ODI series.
