Ranji Trophy: Kuldeep Yadav Makes Competitive Comeback Against Madhya Pradesh
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Synopsis
Kuldeep Yadav returns to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh after recovering from surgery. His participation is crucial ahead of upcoming ODIs against England.
Key Takeaways
- Kuldeep Yadav returns post-surgery.
- Match against MP is personally significant.
- Essential game time ahead of ODIs.
- Other internationals like Virat Kohli also participating.
- Kuldeep's performance will influence selection for upcoming fixtures.
Indore, Jan 29 (NationPress) Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been included in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) squad for their final Ranji Trophy league encounter against Madhya Pradesh (MP) at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
This match, commencing on Thursday, signifies Kuldeep’s return to competitive cricket following an extended injury hiatus due to hernia surgery.
Kuldeep has been sidelined since October 2024, with his last on-field appearance during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. His period of absence involved extensive recovery and rehabilitation, where the left-arm wrist spinner collaborated closely with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff to regain his competitive edge.
On Monday, Kuldeep took to social media to share his appreciation for the NCA support staff, expressing gratitude for their unwavering help throughout his recovery journey.
Although both UP and MP are no longer in the running for the Ranji Trophy knockout stages, this fixture holds profound personal relevance for Kuldeep.
With the eagerly awaited three-match ODI series against England starting on February 6, this match offers him essential game time to evaluate his fitness and match rhythm.
Kuldeep has already been included in India’s squad for the England ODIs, and also in the provisional 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. His performance in this domestic match will be scrutinized as selectors and team management gauge his preparedness for the forthcoming international fixtures.
Kuldeep isn’t the only Indian international making a return in the final round of the Ranji Trophy league phase. Other notable players, such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Riyan Parag, are also set to play for their respective state teams. Their participation underscores the significance of domestic cricket as a vital preparation platform for international duties.
Kuldeep’s return, having been a pivotal part of India’s spin arsenal in white-ball cricket, is a substantial advantage for the national team as they gear up for a packed international schedule.
Uttar Pradesh squad
Aryan Juyal (capt, wk), Karan Sharma, Abhishek Goswami, Madhav Kaushik, Priyam Garg, Rituraj Sharma, Aaditya Sharma (wk), Shivam Mavi, Saurabh Kumar, Shivam Sharma, Kritagya Kumar Singh, Vijay Kumar, Atal Bihari Rai, Vaibhav Chaudhary, Zeeshan Ansari, Kartikeya Jaiswal, Kartik Tyagi, Kuldeep Yadav
