January 16, 2025: Kuldeep Yadav has begun his preparations for a potential return to the Indian team, as he practices in the nets ahead of India's upcoming series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The left-arm wrist spinner shared a video on Instagram of himself bowling in the nets, looking fully "locked in" as he gears up for his comeback.
Kuldeep had been unavailable for selection during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia from November 2024 to January 2025 due to a long-term groin issue. He was referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation following India's Test series against New Zealand. His last appearance for India was in October 2024 during the first Test against New Zealand, where he claimed three wickets.
As Kuldeep prepares to return, he is eyeing a significant milestone of 300 international wickets. With 297 wickets in 159 international appearances, Kuldeep is just three wickets shy of the milestone, which he could achieve in the upcoming series. He boasts a remarkable average of 22.50 with best bowling figures of 6/25 and has taken eight five-wicket hauls in international cricket.
Kuldeep will not be part of the five-match T20I series against England, which starts on January 22 in Kolkata. The T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series, which kicks off on February 6. India’s biggest challenge, however, looms with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, with matches played under a hybrid model, with India playing its games in the UAE.
India's opening match in the Champions Trophy will be against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. The group stage will also see India face New Zealand on March 2. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features the 2023 Cricket World Cup champions Australia, along with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
Kuldeep's return will be crucial for India's spin department as they look to compete in both the T20I series and the Champions Trophy.
