Here's what Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif have to say about Hardik Pandya's return in team India

Hardik Pandya missed the ODI series against Australia and also missed first two ODIs against New Zealand as he along with teammate KL Rahul was suspended by the BCCI over his misogynist remark on a TV show. The Supreme Court led Committee of Administrators lifted the ban on January 24 and the all-rounder was called in for the remaining three ODIs against the Kiwis.

India U-19 and India A coach Rahul Dravid has said that Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul can still be role models if they can reach their ‘obvious potential’ in cricket. The controversy might be the catalyst that would help them to reach the level they can. They can achieve great things in all forms of cricket.

Former Indian bowler Mohammad Kaif too praised the return of Hardik Pandya into the team. The off-break bowler took to his official Twitter account to praise Pandya’s catch to dismiss Kane Williamson. Kaif said, “ That was a fielder’s wicket, absolutely stunning catch from Hardik Pandya.”

Hardik was immediately included in the playing XI in place of Vijay Shankar and he left no stone unturned to make his presence felt. Pandya took a remarkable catch to dismiss New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson in 17th over off Yuzvendra Chahal’s ball. Hardik also took the wickets of Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner in his over and registered a bowling figure of 2/45.

Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Bhuveneshwar Kumar struck early to dismiss both the openers inside the first seven overs and took 2 and 3 wickets respectively in the innings. Yuzvendra Chahal also took 2 wickets while Kuldeep Yadav and Kedar Jadhav went wicket-less.

New Zealand were bundled out for 243 in 49 overs and put up a target of 244 for India. Ross Taylor was the highest scorer for the White Ferns as he hit 106 balls 93 runs including 9 boundaries. Tom Latham too scored an half-century for his team as he hit 64 balls 51 runs.