クルディープ・ヤダフは1月26日までにNCA許可を取得する予定で、チャンピオンズトロフィー選出の可能性が高まる

The countdown has begun. In less than 48 hours, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce the India cricket team squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and the India vs. England ODI series. This leaves Kuldeep Yadav hanging. The wrist spinner, who’s probably the best ODI spinner in the world, still remains under the BCCI’s keen eye at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Recovery going well: Kuldeep Yadav

Having undergone a groin surgery late last year, Kuldeep has yet to recover. Although he’s started to bowl and shared a few glimpses of his training session, it’s uncertain whether he’s ready for international cricket or not. The spinner himself remains optimistic. “My recovery went quite well, and I’ve been bowling for some time now. I’m feeling good (about my progress),” the Kuldeep bowler told The Telegraph on January 16.

BCCI to discuss Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness

However, the bowler may feel, ultimately it’s up to the BCCI and the medical team at the NCA to decide whether Kuldeep Yadav is fit enough to be included in Team India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. One thing’s sure: his fitness will be a topic of discussion in the selection meeting.

“Whether he will be selected or not depends on his fitness, but he will be discussed for sure in the selection meeting. After all, he’s a champion bowler in all formats,” a BCCI official told The Telegraph.

Kuldeep Yadav’s coach hopeful of ICC Champions Trophy selection

Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach, Kapil Dev Pandey, feels optimistic about his pupil’s recovery and selection. He estimated that by January 25 or 26, the wrist spinner should get a clean bill of health from the NCA medical team, and therefore he remains hopeful of Kuldeep making the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

“He has started bowling over the last 10 days or so. He’ll be coming to Kanpur after January 25 or 26, and we’ll then work further on his line and length, spin, and other technical matters. By then, he should be getting the NCA’s clearance too. We’re quite hopeful about his Champions Trophy selection,” Kapil Dev Pandey said to The Telegraph.