India vs New Zealand 2019: Hardik Pandya is a Natural Talent and a Match Winner, Admits Ravi Shastri

Indian National Cricket team head coach, Ravi Shastri has heaped praise on all-rounder Hardik Pandya saying him a natural talent and a match winner following the culmination of the ODI series against New Zealand- which India by a 4-1 margin.

Meanwhile, Pandya has made a strong return to the national squad after the social media uproar following his controversial comments on a talk show. BCCI acted promptly to issue him a showcause notice along with KL Rahul. Moreover, the apex body also asked the duo to return to the country ahead of the ODI series against Australia. However, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) provisionally lifted the ban and asked Hardik Pandya to join the India squad in New Zealand while Rahul joined the India A team in Kerala.

Since his return, Pandya has made valuable contributions for the team in whatever possible way. In the third ODI, he returned with figures of two for 45 in his full quota; however, didn’t get the opportunity to bat. In his second outing in the land of Kiwis, Hardik Pandya scored 16 runs – India were all out for 92 runs, which they lost by eight wickets. Moreover, he was in full song in the last game of the series as he smacked a 22-ball 45 runs knock and then picked two wickets as India won the game by 35 runs.

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He is a natural talent

Speaking to Star Sports, Ravi Shastri spoke highly of Hardik Pandya, who has significantly made progress in international cricket. Shastri noted that he is a genuine all-rounder and it is a great feeling to see him back in the dressing room.

“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,” Shastri said.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya will now feature in the three-match T20I series against the Kiwis. The Baroda all-rounder will be keen to keep up his form with the ICC World Cup approaching in a few months.