Kohli content with Pandya’s return after sexist comments fiasco

Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed contentment over all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return to the team, as he made first international appearance against New Zealand on Monday after his controversial interview fiasco.

“Good to have him back. He put his head down and focused on what he needed to do, you can tell from the way he bowled. He is someone who will make important contribution over all. He is someone who provides a lot of balance to the team,” said Kohli, at the post match conference.

With bowling figures of 2 wickets for 45 runs including a stunning catch, Pandya managed to justify his return after he was picked in place of Vijay Shankar. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Karthik was picked in place of MS Dhoni, who was rested after he sustained a sore hamstring.

It's a man...
It's a bird...
It's Hardik Pandya!!#HardikPandya #FlyingCatch pic.twitter.com/fEHWYdgbn6

— Faboosh (@Faboosh_IN) January 28, 2019

Pandya, along with teammate KL Rahul, was suspended for sexist remarks on popular TV show 'Koffee with Karan'. The duo was sent back home from the Australian tour. However, the suspension was lifted last week pending the appointment of an ombudsman.