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India are set to take on Japan in a historic one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi on Tuesday, September 22. The fixture will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations in men’s international cricket and will also serve as India’s final T20I outing before their 2026 Asian Games campaign gets underway.
Shreyas Iyer will lead a strong Indian squad that features a blend of established international stars and exciting young talent. India have also arrived in Japan on the back of a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan, while the selection committee has made a few changes to the original Asian Games group, with Varun Chakaravarthy ruled out and Vipraj Nigam added to the squad.
Here is India’s predicted playing XI against Japan:
Abhishek Sharma is almost certain to retain his place at the top of the order. The left-hander has been in outstanding T20 form and recently smashed a 34-ball 108 against Afghanistan in Delhi. His ability to attack from the first over makes him a natural choice to open the innings.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could finally get an opportunity after being rested throughout India’s recent T20I series against Afghanistan. The youngster enjoyed a sensational T20I series against Zimbabwe earlier in the year, scoring 151 runs in three matches, including two fifties.
With India looking to give him game time ahead of the Asian Games, opening alongside Abhishek could be an exciting combination.
Tilak Varma is likely to slot into the No. 3 position. The left-hander provides stability after the aggressive opening pair while still possessing the range to accelerate through the middle overs. His ability to bowl occasional off-spin also gives India another tactical option.
Captain Shreyas Iyer should continue at No. 4. The right-hander brings experience and composure to a relatively youthful batting unit. He can control the innings if India lose early wickets while also taking advantage of the shorter boundaries when required.
Sanju Samson is expected to take the wicketkeeping gloves. He was among India’s leading performers in the Afghanistan series, scoring a half-century in the second T20I. His clean striking against spin and pace makes him a dangerous middle-order option.
Shivam Dube could be India’s designated power-hitter at No. 6. His ability to clear the boundary against spin makes him particularly valuable in the middle overs. Dube can also contribute with his medium pace, giving India additional bowling depth.
Axar Patel should retain his place as one of India’s most dependable all-rounders. The left-arm spinner can control the run rate while his batting allows him to finish an innings aggressively. On a surface where spin could play a role, his four-over spell could be important.
Washington Sundar is another strong candidate to feature. His off-spin provides a different challenge from Axar, while his ability to bat anywhere in the lower middle order strengthens India’s balance. His recent presence alongside Sanju Samson in Japan also underlines his involvement with the squad.
Ravi Bishnoi should be India’s specialist leg-spinner. He picked up four wickets in two matches against Afghanistan, including an impressive 3/26 in the third T20I. His pace through the air and variations could make him difficult to attack on the Sano surface.
Jasprit Bumrah’s presence would add significant experience to the bowling attack. The premier fast bowler can operate effectively with the new ball and return at the death, making him an important option if India want to test their strongest combination before the Asian Games.
Arshdeep Singh is likely to complete the pace attack. The left-armer offers swing in the powerplay and has become one of India’s leading wicket-taking options in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl yorkers at the death gives India a reliable finishing option with the ball.
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
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