Filling the void in India’s spin attack will be a big task for Team India in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner's long-time spin colleague Ravindra Jadeja too is already 36 and may not be available for too long.

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have done decently in international cricket so far, but leading the spin attack without Ashwin or Jadeja is a completely different ball game. Such a scenario in particular makes Kuldeep Yadav’s role even more crucial across all formats.

The left-arm wrist-spinner has been out of action following the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand in October due to a left groin issue, which also sidelined him from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Having undergone surgery in Germany, Kuldeep is at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru at present and undergoing rehab.

So when will he return to the Team India fold? Will he be available for next year’s Champions Trophy, which is set to begin in February?

Before that, India will host England for five T20Is and three ODIs from January 22-February 12.

“Kuldeep is yet to start bowling. Once he starts, he will have to appear for a match simulation or two, a few days before he is given the green light.

“As for the England matches, it’s not impossible but tough (for Kuldeep to return) as just over a month remains for those games to begin. But as far as the Champions Trophy is concerned, there could be a chance of his comeback as there will be more time for it,” a BCCI source said on Thursday.

Kuldeep’s personal and long-time coach Kapil Panday, though, feels he shouldn’t be taking too long to make a comeback.

“Actually, Kuldeep felt a bit of pain even while playing the Bengaluru Test. Then I told him not to play further as his situation could have worsened.

“After that, he had a successful surgery in the groin area in Germany last month. At the Centre of Excellence, since the last week of November, he’s undergoing rehab which includes leg exercises like squats and all.

“The surgery was done so well that when he returned from Germany, it never seemed that he had undergone an operation. Nonetheless, it all depends on how well he completes the rehab,” Panday told The Telegraph from Kanpur.

He also expressed confidence in Kuldeep returning to bowling this month itself. “This month itself he should start bowling. I’m quite confident.

“He’ll be here (in Kanpur) by next week and then we’ll make further planning. It may be a little early to predict Kuldeep’s comeback as he will resume bowling first and then has to play a practice game or two while going through the other tests and processes.

"Bowling won’t be a problem for him, but how his leg feels and how comfortable he is with his run-up is important. So, if all these aspects click, I won’t be too surprised if he’s back during the England matches,” Panday said.

One hopes his return is not rushed. Kuldeep is a precious player for India.