India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, sidelined due to a groin injury, faces a challenging road to recovery as the Champions Trophy draws near. Kuldeep, who underwent surgery in Germany last month, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru but is yet to resume bowling.
Champions Trophy and India’s Preparations
The Champions Trophy, returning after seven years, is set to take place in a hybrid format co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. Although the official schedule is yet to be released, England has already announced its squad for the event. The tournament will follow England’s limited-overs tour of India, which includes five ODIs and three T20Is. This series is seen as a warm-up for the major ICC event and an opportunity for India to assemble their full-strength squad, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya.
Amid these preparations, Kuldeep’s fitness remains a focal point for the Indian camp. His absence from the team since the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru earlier this year has left a significant void in the bowling department.
Kuldeep’s Rehabilitation Update
According to a BCCI source, Kuldeep is making progress but has yet to begin bowling. “Once he starts, he’ll need to undergo match simulations and fitness tests before being declared fit. While a return for the England series is difficult given the limited time, he might still make it for the Champions Trophy,” the source said.
Kuldeep’s rehabilitation at the NCA includes strengthening exercises like squats to improve his lower-body mobility. His childhood coach, Kapil Panday, has expressed optimism about his recovery and revealed that the spinner plans to begin bowling later this month.
Coach’s Insight on Kuldeep’s Recovery
Panday, who has been closely monitoring Kuldeep’s progress, stated, “He felt discomfort during the Bengaluru Test, which worsened his condition. Post-surgery, he seems to be recovering well. He should start bowling this week, and we’ll create a basic training plan once he returns to Kanpur.”
However, the coach highlighted that Kuldeep’s fitness will depend on how his leg feels during his bowling run-up and overall comfort while bowling. If he clears these hurdles, there’s a slim chance he could feature in the England series.
Other Injuries in the Squad
Kuldeep is not the only bowler under rehabilitation. Mohammed Shami, another vital player in India’s lineup, is also working towards full fitness. Both players will need to prove their match readiness through domestic games before being considered for selection in the Champions Trophy.
Outlook for Kuldeep’s Comeback
While Kuldeep’s immediate return to competitive cricket appears uncertain, his coach remains hopeful about his participation in the Champions Trophy. “If he completes his rehab successfully and feels comfortable during practice games, I believe he could make a timely return,” Panday concluded.
India’s white-ball squad will look to capitalize on the upcoming England series to finalize preparations for the Champions Trophy. Kuldeep Yadav’s availability, however, remains a crucial factor in strengthening India’s spin department for the global event.
