Team India's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has given a positive update on his recovery from groin surgery ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kuldeep Yadav also expressed his desire to be taken in consideration for selection for the next 50-over tournament to be played in Pakistan and Dubai.
The unorthodox left-arm spinner has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand at home with a groin injury. He also missed the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia. After the New Zealand series, Kuldeep was sent to the BCCI Center of Excellence for further treatment and rehabilitation.
My recovery went pretty well – Kuldeep Yadav
Speaking to The Telegraph, Kuldeep Yadav spoke about his recovery from a groin injury that required surgery. He confirmed that he has resumed bowling competitively and is feeling positive about his progress. Kuldeep added that his recovery has gone well and he has been bowling for some time.
“My recovery has gone pretty well and I have been bowling for some time now. I feel 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 hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls. .
Kuldeep Yadav back in contention for Champions Trophy selection
Kuldeep Yadav is once again 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 condition, but he will definitely be discussed in the selection meeting. After all, he is a champion bowler in all formats,” a BCCI source told the Telegraph about Kuldeep's place in the team.
He started bowling in the last 10 days or so – Kuldeep's personal trainer
Kuldeep's personal trainer Kapil Panday shared details about his recovery process, stating that Kuldeep resumed bowling in the last 10 days. He added that Kuldeep is expected to get the nod from the NCA soon and expressed optimism about his potential selection for the Champions Trophy.
“He started bowling in the last 10 days or so. He will come to Kanpur after January 25 or 26 and then we will further work on his line and length, spin and other technical matters. By then, it should also receive NCA clearance. We are quite confident about his selection for the Champions Trophy,” 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 fitness.
He was a key player in India's white-ball setup, leading the spin attack in the ODI World Cup 2023. He also played a crucial role in winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, ending India's ICC trophy drought. Fans are hoping that Kuldeep will be able to showcase his skills in the UAE where the conditions may favor him.
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