Last Updated:
Kuldeep Yadav is back training in the nets as he prepares for a return to the Indian team, possibly for the ODI series against England and in turn the Champions Trophy 2025.
Kuldeep Yadav is back training in the nets. (Image: Screngrab/Instagram)
The left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, is back training in the nets as the 30-year-old eyes a comeback to the national team ahead of the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy 2025.
Kuldeep has been out of action after picking up a groin injury during the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. He has now taken to social media to share a video of him bowling in the nets. He has captioned the post, which reads, “Locked In”.
His return will certainly be a big positive for the Indian bowling attack. He comes in as a genuine wicket-taking option who has proven himself to be a valuable asset in the limited-overs game. Alternative choices like Varun Chakravarthy or Ravi Bishnoi have their fair share of drawbacks in terms of experience. The former has yet to make his debut, while the latter has only played one game in the 50-over format.
He holds a stellar record, having represented the national team in all three formats. In T20Is, he has played a total of 40 games with 69 wickets at an average of 14.07. In the 50-over format, he averages 26 with a total of 172 wickets from 106 games. He has been an on-and-off member of the Test team but has amassed 56 wickets across 13 Tests at an average of 22.16 as well.
With Kuldeep, the team would have the experience of playing in spin-friendly conditions in the UAE. He has played several games in the Emirates via the IPL or the 2022 T20 World Cup. In addition, with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness being a massive concern, India would need a genuine wicket-taking threat in their bowling unit should they perform well in the Champions Trophy 2025.
He has not been named in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series. According to a report by PTI, the left-arm wrist spinner will be set to undergo fitness tests and match simulations soon where he will have to prove that he is good to go for the upcoming 50-over games and the Champions Trophy 2025.
India begins their white-ball series against England on January 22nd, with the first T20I taking place at the Eden Gardens Stadium.
