The Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing and speculations have started as to who’ll be playing from the Indian side. A schedule has yet to officially be announced, but even with that, England has put out its team for what will be the hybrid-hosted event, co-event between Pakistan and the UAE. England will tour India before the Champions Trophy for a limited-overs series, which will be a warm-up for the 50-over tournament. The tour comprises of five ODIs and three T20Is. The eight matches will also give India a chance to prepare for a title they last won eight years ago.
Will Kuldeep Yadav Play Against England?
“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 the England matches, it’s not impossible but tough (for Kuldeep to return) as just over a month remains for those games to begin. 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 Telegraph quoted a BCCI source.
Kuldeep Yadav Still “In Bit Of Pain”
“Actually, Kuldeep felt a bit of pain even while playing the Bengaluru Test. Then I told him not to play further as his situation could have worsened. After that, he had a successful surgery in the groin area in Germany last month. At the Centre of Excellence, since the last week of November, he’s undergoing rehab which includes leg exercises like squats and all,” he told The Telegraph.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Surgery Completed, Now He Is Doing Rehab
“The surgery was done so well that when he returned from Germany, it never seemed that he had undergone an operation. Nonetheless, it all depends on how well he completes the rehab.”
The left-arm wrist-spinner has not been seen on the ground since October. He sustained a groin injury during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The injury needed surgery in Germany, for which he has undergone but for which he hasn’t reported any news recently. Thus, this is quite a race against time before Kuldeep starts bowling once again to find a spot in the Champions Trophy.
“Early To Predict Kuldeep Yadav’s Comeback”
This series will be the first outing of key Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in the limited-overs format since July. Many senior players will return, and attention will be specifically on Kuldeep Yadav.
“This month itself he should start bowling. I’m quite confident. He’ll be here (in Kanpur) by next week and then we’ll make further planning. It may be a little early to predict Kuldeep’s comeback as he will resume bowling first and then has to play a practice game or two while going through the other tests and processes,” Kapil Panday, Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach pointed out.
India’s Bowling Concerns Ahead Of Champions Trophy
“Bowling won’t be a problem for him, but how his leg feels and how comfortable he is with his run-up is important. So, if all these aspects click, I won’t be too surprised if he’s back during the England matches.”
Kuldeep is not alone when it comes to bowling; Mohammed Shami too has been working towards regaining fitness, though he also hasn’t received a nod from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). These two cricketers need to pass the test of fitness and form in domestic matches prior to the Champions Trophy. Even though challenges have plagued Kuldeep, his childhood coach, Kapil Panday, has remained hopeful. Panday recently provided a positive update, revealing that Kuldeep plans to begin bowling again this week and will soon reunite with him to formulate a plan for his comeback.
