Find out why the selectors have given rest to India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya registered his maiden test ton today File Pic
The selectors have given Hardik Pandya a much needed rest to regain his fitness. File Pic

Internet Desk: Indian cricket team’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, revealed that he had asked for some rest due to niggles. The selectors didn’t pick Pandya for the Test series against Sri Lanka to give him much needed rest.

According to Pandya he will capitalize this break to regain his fitness to give his best for the side during the South Africa tour.

The Men in Blue will play three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is against Faf du Plessis & Co. The first Test will start from January 5 in Cape Town.

“To be honest, I asked for it. My body wasn’t up to it, I was getting niggles because of the amount of cricket that I have played. I want to play cricket when I am totally up for it, when I can give my 100 percent,” Pandya told CNN-News18.

“I am lucky that I have got this break. I will train in the gym during this break and improve my fitness. I won’t lie, I am really excited for South Africa series. I would like to use this break to improve my fitness for the series,” he added.
Pandya said he will remain positive ahead of the series and will play well.

“Yes, I am really excited. People are talking about it….It’s a much hyped series. I like challenges in life, they keep me going….. As you said I am the missing link in the team, who knows I might be the difference there. I am sure we are going to play very well,” he said.
When asked about the biggest turning point of his career, Pandya said: “My life changed when I got a chance to play for MI (Mumbai Indians) and then I never looked back. I had a small failure and that’s why I learned to be even more professional. You need to understand that some things are bad. That’s how you improve in life.”