The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in a few months, and preparations are already in progress for this prestigious ICC tournament, which is making its return after a hiatus since 2017. Although the tournament schedule has yet to be announced, England has revealed its squad for the event, which will adopt a hybrid format and be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. Prior to the Champions Trophy, England will embark on a limited-overs tour to India, serving as a preparatory phase for the 50-over competition. This tour will consist of five One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

These eight matches will provide India with an opportunity to contend for a trophy they last won eight years ago. Additionally, the series will see the return of prominent players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in limited-overs formats for the first time since July. With several senior players rejoining the Indian white-ball teams, particular attention will be directed towards Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been sidelined since the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru last October due to a groin injury that necessitated surgery in Germany. While the procedure was successful, there has been no recent update regarding Kuldeep's recovery. Currently, he has not yet resumed bowling, which poses a challenge for his participation in the Champions Trophy.

"Kuldeep has not yet begun bowling. Once he does, he will need to participate in a match simulation or two shortly before receiving clearance. Regarding the England matches, a return is challenging but not impossible, given that there is just over a month until those games commence. However, for the Champions Trophy, there may be a possibility for his comeback, as there is more time available," a source from the BCCI informed the Telegraph.

Kuldeep is not the sole bowler awaiting a return to the Indian national team. Mohammed Shami, similar to Kuldeep, is diligently working towards his comeback but has not yet received approval from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). When the opportunity arises, both Shami and Kuldeep will need to demonstrate their match fitness and form through participation in domestic matches prior to the Champions Trophy. Although Kuldeep's prospects of playing in the tournament may seem uncertain, his childhood coach, Kapil Panday, remains hopeful.

"Kuldeep experienced some discomfort during the Bengaluru Test. I advised him to refrain from further participation, as his condition could have deteriorated. Subsequently, he underwent successful groin surgery in Germany last month. Since the last week of November, he has been in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence, which includes leg exercises such as squats," he stated to The Telegraph.

"The surgery was executed so effectively that upon his return from Germany, it was as if he had not undergone any procedure. However, the outcome will ultimately depend on the thoroughness of his rehabilitation."

Kuldeep to resume bowling

Panday provided an encouraging update regarding Kuldeep, stating that the spinner is set to commence bowling this week and will collaborate with his coach to establish a foundational strategy moving forward.

"He should begin bowling within this month. I am quite optimistic about it. He is expected to arrive in Kanpur by next week, at which point we will devise further plans. It might be premature to speculate on Kuldeep's return, as he must first resume bowling and subsequently participate in a practice match or two while undergoing additional assessments and procedures," Panday noted.

"Bowling itself should not pose a challenge for him; however, it is crucial to monitor how his leg feels and his comfort level with his run-up. If all these factors align positively, I would not be surprised to see him back in action during the matches against England."

Read Also: Manu Bhaker Snubbed for Khel Ratna: Officials Cite Lack of Application, Family Refutes