As ICC Champions Trophy 2025 closes in on its arrival, all the teams have begun preparations to run up to the tourney. Even though the teams are busy in their series, planning for the tournament has already begun. But India is one of the hot favorites for the tournament and suffers injury concerns among its players. It is believed that Kuldeep Yadav, the left-handed wrist-spin bowler, has yet to start bowling after surgery.
Kuldeep Yadav’s race against time for Indian squad selection
Kuldeep Yadav last played for Team India in the first Test match against New Zealand at Bengaluru. He was one of the three spinners in the Playing XI alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
During the game, he incurred a groin injury and was dropped for the next Test in favor of Washington Sundar. Kuldeep then flew to Germany for surgery. There have been successful operations but no other positive updates regarding the injury.
It is believed that he is yet to resume bowling after his surgery. That makes it tough for him to be a part of India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. A BCCI source claimed that the left-armer could still be a part of India’s Champions Trophy campaign. There is still some time for it.
“Kuldeep is yet to start bowling. Once he starts, he will have to appear for a match simulation or two, a few days before he is given the green light. As for England matches, it’s not impossible but tough (for Kuldeep to return) as just over a month remains for those games to begin,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
“But as far as the Champions Trophy is concerned, there could be a chance of his comeback as there will be more time for it,” the source further added.
The Importance of Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian ODI Squad
Indeed, India will have no risk to run in the case of Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness. Now, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. If he is not 100% fit at the time of selection, it is likely that he would miss out being considered for selection.
Kuldeep Yadav is India’s leading spinner in the white-ball arena, as he is currently the first-choice spinner in the country’s ODI team. The last time he featured in an ODI was during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2024.
He was also a part of the World Cup 2023 squad of India. His antics saw India make it to the final round. The left-arm wrist-spinner took 15 wickets in just 11 games at an average of 28.26 and an economy of 4.45.
When can we expect the return of Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach Kapil Panday was all positive to most things while discussing this player’s comeback. He elucidated upon his present condition, coming on to his future plans. He was so sure that Kuldeep would be back in time for the ODIs against England that he did not even wish to give a date.
“In fact, he felt a little pain while playing the Bengaluru Test. So, I told him not to play any more matches; otherwise, things might worsen. Last month, he had successful surgery in the groin area in Germany,” Panday told The Telegraph.
“Currently, he’s at the Centre of Excellence at the last week of November undergoing rehab that includes leg exercises like squats and all sports. This month alone, he should begin with bowling. I am very confident,” he said.
“Next week, he will be here (in Kanpur), and then we will plan further. It’s a bit too early to predict a comeback from Kuldeep; he has to bowl again and goes through some tests and processes before he can play a practice game or two,” he added.
Mohammed Shami’s fitness a concern too
Apart from Kuldeep, Mohammed Shami is another bowler whose fitness concerns are trouble for India. Shami had surgery earlier in 2024 and was expected to mark his return in the home Test series.
However, Shami could not be fit in time and missed the cut. Shami was then expected to be a part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but swelling in his knee prevented him from coming back into international cricket.
Although he is playing domestic cricket currently, his fitness remains a huge concern for the Indian team management. India needs an experienced player like Shami to be a part of India’s squad for a big event like the Champions Trophy.
