India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has started his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, with a keen eye on making a return for the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE.
The 33-year-old underwent sports hernia surgery in Munich earlier this year. “On the road to recovery,” he shared on social media after a successful procedure, adding that he “can’t wait to be back.”
Now back under the watch of the BCCI’s medical team at the NCA’s Centre of Excellence, Surya is working on regaining full fitness. His presence at the NCA is a strong indicator that the selectors are keeping him in the mix for the upcoming Asia Cup — a crucial tournament in India’s T20 calendar.
No Duleep Trophy This Time
While the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy includes big names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Shardul Thakur (as captain), Suryakumar wasn’t considered. Sources say he informed the selectors in advance about his unavailability due to rehab.
Eyes Set on UAE
If his recovery goes as planned, Suryakumar is expected to return as captain for India’s T20 squad in the Asia Cup 2025 — a key dress rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
Iyer Also Under Fitness Watch
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer was also seen at the NCA last week for routine fitness assessments. He has now returned to Mumbai and is reportedly match-fit. If not named in India’s Asia Cup squad, Iyer is expected to feature for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy, which begins on September 4.
