Kuldeep Yadav Eyes Champions Trophy Spot: ‘Have Been Bowling for Some Time Now'

Kuldeep Yadav Eyes Champions Trophy Spot: India's leg-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav while sharing a video on Instagram, working in nets with some coaching staff has found a positive update in his recovery path to have resumed bowling.

In a conversation with The Telegraph, the southpaw spinner from Kanpur confirmed that he returned to competitive cricket after a long break due to the groin injury that required surgery.

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"The recovery was quite smooth, and I've been bowling for quite some time now. I am happy (with my progress)," said Kuldeep, who last played for India in the first Test match against New Zealand in October but missed the rest of that series and the whole of the Border-Gavaskar series due to the groin problem.

Kuldeep had surgery done by a specialist in Germany, which seems to have gone off smoothly as he is already raising up his hands for consideration in the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy starting next month.

“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 also has to get clearance from NCA...'

Kuldeep emerged as an instrumental part of India's white-ball exploits in the recent past, having taken the lead spin duties as the team made the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, subsequently starring in India's victorious campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup, bringing an end to ICC's trophy drought. Indian fans will be hoping for the team to rely on his artistry again in UAE, with conditions favouring him.

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Kapil Panday, Kuldeep's personal coach, provided further details of his mending and return to the pitch.

“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.

Culdeep may likely be in line for selection for a preparatory three-match ODI series against England before the Champions Trophy, the coaches and management probably seeing for themselves in that series how match-fit Kuldeep.

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