India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been rested for the Test matches against Sri Lanka, on Monday said he asked for the rest because of niggles.

The 24-year-old said he will use this break to improve his fitness so that he could perform to the best of his abilities during the South Africa tour.

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India will play three Tests, six One Day Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20 Internationals against the Proteas. The first Test begins on 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.”