India's No. 7 and 8 spots will be sorted once Hardik returns, says Gill

Hardik Pandya's prolonged injury-forced absence has affected the balance of India's ODI side and skipper Shubman Gill believes his lower middle-order will be "sorted" once the flamboyant all-rounder returns to international cricket. Gill said Pandya's skills are unmatched as he is a seam bowling all-rounder, who can operate and be effective during any phase of the game. "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 told mediapersons on the eve of the first ODI against New Zealand here. Pandya, who normally bats at No. 6 or 7, has been sidelined since the IPL because of multiple injury issues, the latest being stress on his shin just before an anticipated return to competitive cricket for India A. "Firstly, I think he (Pandya) is a great player. The qualities he brings to the team are possessed by very few players in the world. Having a fast-bowling .