Hardik Pandya sweating it out at the Seddon Park

Pandya made a comeback in the third ODI at the Bay Oval.

Published - 30 Jan 2019, 14:42 IST | Updated - 30 Jan 2019, 14:42 IST

2 Min Read

The news headlines have been flooded with reports, surrounding Indian all-round cricketer Hardik Pandya and the unwanted controversies he got himself tangled into. His comments on TV chat show Koffee With Karan was severely criticised and he was subsequently, handed an indefinite suspension by the BCCI’s Committee of Administrators (CoA) appointed by the Supreme Court.

Subsequently, he was sent home midway through the Australia tour. However, the ban was lifted and he was included in the limited-overs squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. The 25-year-old played the third match of the series at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. India’s top order made sure that Pandya’s services with the bat weren’t required as the visitors lost only three wickets.

However, the Baroda cricketer was entrusted with his full quota of 10 overs. Pandya didn’t disappoint by any stretch of the imagination and he picked up a couple of useful wickets of Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner, both of whom has the ability to take the best of bowling attacks to the cleaners. He was also the most economical bowler with an economy rate of 4.50 with 37 dot balls.

Hardik Pandya working hard

The youngster was also incredible in the outfield. Kane Williamson was threatening to compile a substantial knock, but a stupendous catch from Pandya inside the circle accounted for his wicket. After the good show, Pandya is in no mood to relax. The fourth match of the series is scheduled to be played tomorrow at the Seddon Park in Hamilton and its nothing but a dead rubber.

Pandya posted a video where he was seen practising hard. Another decent performance in the next outing is expected to add to his confidence that has taken a massive dent due to the controversies. He captioned the video and wrote, “Perfect weather here in Hamilton for an intense session,”