Kuldeep Yadav doubtful for Champions Trophy, inclusion for England series under threat

The Indian team is yet to announce their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. The eight-team tournament is set to start on February with the UAE and Pakistan being the designated hosts which will feature top-ranked teams in a fierce battle for the coveted silverware.

Ahead of the important tournament, India are to play three One-Dayers and five T20Is at home as preparation for the Champions Trophy, and will allow them to have a dress rehearsal before the Champions Trophy kicks in. Meanwhile, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, is likely to remain out of contention to be picked by the Men in Blue for the both the assignments, according to reports.

A groin injury during the recent home Test series has kept the spinner away from cricketing action. The cricketer has also undergone surgery for the same, and is on the road to recovery. However, The Telegraph reported that while it may not be impossible for Kuldeep to make the cut for the upcoming multi-format series against England, the chances for his inclusion look slim, as confirmed by a BCCI source.

“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 source told.

Also Read: 'They want the leg-spinners to be like Warne'- Allan Border criticises Indian selectors for ignoring two players in BGT squad

Kuldeep’s coach still has high hopes

Though the situation for Kuldeep is not looking great, his childhood hood and former Services' cricketer Kapil Pandey still believes that the orthodox spinner is well on track. He further added that Kuldeep will start bowling shortly, and will play a few practice games to come back to full fitness.

“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 plans. 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," Pandey said as quoted by Hindustan Times.