India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly asked the selectors not to consider him for selection as he is working on his fitness.

The 28-year-old is yet to gain the optimum fitness level and, thus, he hasn't been bowling regularly after going through back surgery.

During the recently held T20 World Cup 2021, Hardik bowled only four overs and he failed to claim a wicket. As a result, he was dropped from the three-match T20I series against New Zealand at home.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Pandya is working to improve his fitness and has asked the selectors to not consider him for a while. The report further suggests that the Baroda cricketer is eyeing a return to full-time bowling.

Before his back surgery in late 2019, Hardik Pandya used to play as a proper all-rounder. In fact, he was part of the Test side as well. But he has been playing as a specialist batsman lately, also in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Mumbai Indians (MI).

It isn't known whether Hardik will travel with the Indian team for the upcoming South Arica tour. During the home T20I series against New Zealand, Venkatesh Iyer impressed one and all with his exploits and he looks set to travel to South Africa even if Pandya is available.

Meanwhile, multiple reports have claimed that Hardik Pandya won’t be retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. His performances have gone down in the last couple of seasons and he would be back in the auction pool.