Team India left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has provided a positive update about his recovery from groin surgery ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kuldeep Yadav also expressed his desire to be considered for selection for the upcoming 50-over tournament, set to be played in Pakistan and Dubai.
The left-arm unorthodox spinner was sidelined from the Test series against New Zealand at home due to a groin injury. He also missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series in Australia. After the New Zealand series, Kuldeep was sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further treatment and rehabilitation.
My Recovery Went Quite Well – Kuldeep Yadav
Speaking to The Telegraph, Kuldeep Yadav opened up about his recovery from a groin injury that required surgery. He confirmed that he has resumed competitive bowling and is feeling positive about his progress. Kuldeep added that his recovery has gone well and he has been bowling for some time now.
“My recovery went quite well and I’ve been bowling for some time now. I’m feeling good (about my progress),” explained Kuldeep.
Kuldeep has been absent from ODI cricket since playing against Sri Lanka in August 2024. He has 106 ODIs to his name, with 172 wickets at an average of 26.00 and an economy rate of 4.99, including 7 four-wicket and 2 five-wicket hauls.
Kuldeep Yadav Back in Contention for Selection for the Champions Trophy
Kuldeep Yadav is back in contention for selection for the Champions Trophy next month. A BCCI source confirmed that while his inclusion will depend on his recovery, Kuldeep’s name will definitely be discussed in the selection meeting, given his status as a champion bowler across all formats.
“Whether he will be selected or not depends on his fitness, but he will be discussed for sure in the selection meeting. After all, he’s a champion bowler in all formats,” said a BCCI source to the Telegraph regarding Kuldeep’s place in the squad.
He Has Started Bowling Over the Last 10 Days or So – Kuldeep’s Personal Coach
Kuldeep’s personal coach, Kapil Panday, shared details about his recovery process, stating that Kuldeep has resumed bowling in the last 10 days. He added that Kuldeep is expected to receive clearance from the NCA soon and expressed optimism about his potential selection for the Champions Trophy.
“He has started bowling over the last 10 days or so. He’ll be coming to Kanpur after January 25 or 26 and we’ll then work further on his line and length, spin and other technical matters. By then, he should be getting the NCA’s clearance too. We’re quite hopeful about his Champions Trophy selection,” said Panday.
Kuldeep Yadav may be selected for the three-match ODI series against England ahead of the Champions Trophy, allowing the coaches and management to assess his match fitness.
He has been a key player in India’s white-ball setup, leading the spin attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He also played a crucial role in their 2024 T20 World Cup win, ending India’s ICC trophy drought. Fans are hopeful that Kuldeep will be able to showcase his skills in the UAE, where the conditions may favor him.
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