Hardik Pandya, Rested, India Vs Sri Lanka, Test Series, BCCI,
Pandya claimed 52 wickets across formats. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Gujarat-based seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya conceded he had requested the team management that he wanted to take rest, as he felt his body required some off time before returning to the fold, to put in his best on the field.

“To be honest, I asked for it. My body wasn’t up for it,” Pandya told CNN-News 18.

With his absence came as a surprise for his die-hard fans, Pandya has played an important part for Virat Kohli-led side. On November 10, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), maintained Pandya had been rested which further considered the rotation policy.

Hardik Pandya, Rested, India Vs Sri Lanka, Test Series, BCCI,
In Three Tests Pandya is averaging at 59.33 with the bat. Photo Credit: AP.

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Interestingly, in the past little less than two years, Pandya played around 57 fixtures while having the rigorous time on the field.

“I have some niggles because of the amount of cricket that I have played,” Pandya stated.

It’s pertinent to mention, Pandya was withdrawn from the first two Tests of three-match series against Sri Lanka which will be beginning at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 16.

Following the meteoric rise, Pandya is eyeing to manage the workload, as it was his solely his choice for the first two Tests.

“If they are saying I have played less cricket then I want to tell them ‘I am sorry.’ As an all-rounder it’s even more difficult,” Pandya added.

Hardik Pandya, Rested, India Vs Sri Lanka, Test Series, BCCI,
In 19 ODI innings, Pandya scored 584 runs at the average of 36.50. Photo Credit: BCCI.

The promising youngster further praised the efforts of skipper Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri in gelling the unit, as India is positioned number one in the ICC Test rankings.

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While talking about his return, Pandya reiterated he would return to the field when he is hundred percent.

“I want to play cricket when I am totally up for it when I can give my 100 percent,” Pandya further added.

However, Pandya is looking forward to hitting the gym to work on his fitness during the short-term break.

“I am lucky that I have got this break. I will train in the gym during this break and improve my fitness,” Pandya explained.

Hardik Pandya, Rested, India Vs Sri Lanka, Test Series, BCCI,
Pandya smashed four fifties in 29 ODIs. Photo Credit: BCCI.

(IND vs SL 2017: ‘To be Honest, I Asked for the Break’ – Hardik Pandya)

The 24-year-old Pandya, who has been a regular prospect for India across formats of late, has further an arduous season since the beginning of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales in June earlier.

With Pandya setting-up his eye on the gruelling series against the South Africa, he is hopeful to come good in the overseas competition.

“I won’t lie, I am really excited for the South Africa series. I would like to use this break to improve my fitness for the series,” Pandya remarked.

However, earlier the press release from BCCI did not reflect the clarity regarding the injury or fatigue factor.

As of now, Pandya is working on his improvement and focusing on strength at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

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Pandya, who shot to fame in the widely-acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL), improved with every game and has enjoyed the season particularly with the bat for the national side thereon.

Hardik Pandya, Rested, India Vs Sri Lanka, Test Series, BCCI,
In 24 T20Is, Pandya has been unimpressive with the bat. Photo Credit: BCCI.

In the recently concluded five-match ODI series against Australia, Pandya scored 222 runs and went on to claim six wickets which saw the hosts sealing the series with the 4-1 scoreline.

Pandya is looking forward to making most of his all-round abilities in the foreseeable future, as he has had enjoyed the challenges owing to his aggressive nature of play.

Pandya played 29 One-day Internationals followed by 24 Twenty20 Internationals and three Tests since making his international debut in January 2016.

Tahir Ibn Manzoor is the Editor-In-Chief at Cricket Addictor, who follows cricket like food and he has a great affection for the long-form journalism. He has been associated with the organisation since...