Hardik Pandya made a stellar return to the Indian cricket team in the third ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Monday (January 28).

Pandya was immediately included in the playing XI after the CoA lifted the suspension on him. The all-rounder was suspended pending an inquiry by BCCI for his "misogynistic" and "sexist" remarks on a popular TV show ‘Koffee with Karan’.

Amidst the anticipation, Hardik made a noteworthy comeback to cricket as he took a blinder to dismiss New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and also claimed two wickets in his quota of 10 overs. Henry Nicholls (6) and Mitchell Santner (6) were his victims.

Pandya didn’t get a chance to show his batting prowess as the Men in Blue chased down New Zealand’s modest target of 244 with seven wickets and 42 balls to spare.  With this win, Team India also secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.

Following the resounding victory, Hardik took to Twitter and posted a collage of pictures of him from the match with the caption reading: “Thank you”.

Addressing the press conference after the match, India skipper Virat Kohli also hailed Pandya's efforts and intensity on the field.

"It's very, very good to have Hardik back. He is someone who provides a lot of balance to the team. And the way he bowled today showed he went back and practiced his skills. He put his head down and focussed on what he needed to do and you could tell from the way he bowled with intensity straightaway.. picking two crucial wickets at that stage,” Kohli quoted.

"He's someone who will give you those important contributions in all three departments and that's something any team would want to have and when he comes in, the team looks a lot more balanced," he added.