Ranji Trophy: Kuldeep Yadav returns after surgery, named in UP's squad for MP clash

Ranji Trophy: Kuldeep Yadav was named in Uttar Pradesh's (UP) squad for their last match against Madhya Pradesh (MP) at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

In Short

• Kuldeep was part of India's losing side against New Zealand in first Test
• KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will be appearing for Karnataka and Delhi
• Kuldeep has also been named in India's squad for Champions Trophy

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been named in Uttar Pradesh's (UP) squad for their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh (MP) at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, starting Thursday. Kuldeep will return to competitive cricket after undergoing hernia surgery in October 2024.

The left-arm spinner was also named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England and included in India's provisional 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Dubai next month.

Kuldeep last played for India in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru before being sidelined due to injury. His return to domestic cricket will provide him with valuable game time as he aims to regain full fitness ahead of international commitments.

While both UP and MP are already out of the reckoning for a place in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals, the match presents an opportunity for Kuldeep to assess his match readiness. His presence is expected to bolster the UP squad as they conclude their league-stage campaign.

On Monday, Kuldeep expressed gratitude to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff for aiding in his recovery. The NCA has played a significant role in rehabilitation of several Indian cricketers recovering from injuries. Kuldeep wrote, “Recovery takes a team. Grateful to the NCA and its team for all the work behind the scenes!”

Several other Indian cricketers preparing for the Champions Trophy will also participate in the seventh round of the Ranji Trophy. KL Rahul will turn out for Karnataka, while Virat Kohli is set to represent Delhi in their respective fixtures.

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