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Kuldeep Yadav Confirms Recovery Progress, Eyes Champions Trophy Comeback
By CricShots - Jan 17, 2025 7:45 pm
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Team India’s left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, has shared an encouraging update about his recovery from groin surgery, boosting hopes of his inclusion in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Scheduled to be held in Pakistan and Dubai, the 50-over tournament could see the return of the unorthodox spinner, who has been out of action for several months.

Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep sustained a groin injury that sidelined him from India’s home Test series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. Post-injury, he underwent treatment and rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Speaking to The Telegraph, Kuldeep confirmed that his recovery is on track and that he has resumed competitive bowling.

“My recovery went quite well, and I’ve been bowling for some time now. I’m feeling good about my progress,” he said.

The 29-year-old last played an ODI in August 2024 against Sri Lanka. With 106 ODIs to his name, Kuldeep boasts impressive stats: 172 wickets at an average of 26.00 and an economy rate of 4.99, including seven four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. His return could significantly bolster India’s spin department.

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A BCCI source indicated that Kuldeep’s selection for the Champions Trophy depends on his fitness. “He’ll definitely be discussed in the selection meeting. After all, he’s a champion bowler in all formats,” the source stated.

 

Kuldeep’s personal coach, Kapil Panday, added further optimism, noting that Kuldeep has been bowling regularly for the past 10 days and expects to receive clearance from the NCA soon. “He’ll join me in Kanpur after January 25 or 26, and we’ll work on his line, length, and technical aspects. By then, he should be cleared by the NCA. We’re hopeful about his Champions Trophy selection,” Panday said.

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The spinner might also be included in the three-match ODI series against England, offering the team management a chance to assess his match fitness before the tournament. Kuldeep has been a pivotal figure in India’s white-ball setup, leading the spin attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup and playing a crucial role in their 2024 T20 World Cup victory.

With the UAE’s spin-friendly conditions likely to suit him, fans are hopeful that Kuldeep will once again shine on the international stage and contribute to India’s success in the Champions Trophy.