Daijiworld Media Network - Vadodara

Vadodara, Nov 3: India captain Shubman Gill believes the return of allrounder Hardik Pandya will significantly strengthen the team's balance in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, particularly in the lower middle order.

Speaking to mediapersons on the eve of the first ODI against New Zealand, Gill said Pandya's all-round abilities were difficult to match and that his presence would help settle India's number seven and eight batting positions.

"If Hardik Pandya comes into the team, then our number seven and number eight positions will also be sorted. We will look like a much more balanced team in terms of batting," Gill said.

Pandya, who generally bats at number six or seven, has been unavailable since the Indian Premier League (IPL) because of multiple injury concerns. His latest setback was stress on his shin, which ruled him out just before his anticipated return to competitive cricket with India A.

Gill described Pandya as a rare fast-bowling allrounder whose ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him invaluable to the Indian team. He highlighted the 32-year-old's capacity to bowl with the new ball, control the middle overs and deliver at the death.

"It has been very unfortunate that he hasn't been able to play since the IPL," Gill said, underlining the impact of the allrounder's prolonged absence.

The India captain said he remained in regular contact with Pandya and hoped the player would regain full fitness soon. Pandya was expected to feature in the India A matches but experienced further discomfort shortly before the scheduled return.

"Hopefully, he will be fit soon, play some domestic cricket, and then we will see him back in the side," Gill said.

Pandya's return is expected to provide India with greater flexibility in team selection and strengthen the balance between batting and bowling in the ODI format.