Kuldeep Yadav is on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery for a groin injury that sidelined him since October last year. The left-arm wrist spinner has been diligently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, and recent reports indicate he is back bowling at full capacity. However, there is still no confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his match fitness.
With the T20I series against England starting on February 22, Kuldeep was not included in the squad, suggesting he may not be 100% ready yet. The NCA medical team will ultimately decide his participation based on his performance in the coming days. The BCCI is expected to announce the squad for the ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy on January 19, giving Kuldeep a narrow window to prove his fitness.
Despite missing significant matches against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kuldeep is eager to return to international cricket. Even if he is not named in the initial squad against England, there remains a possibility for him to be included later, as teams can make changes until February 12, just before the Champions Trophy begins.