Japan National Cricket Team Announce 15-Member Squad for Historic T20I vs India

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) today announced its 15-member squad set to face reigning ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions and world No.1 ranked India in a historic T20 International on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. This landmark fixture, dubbed the 'Suzuki Cup', will be held at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, commencing at 1:00 PM JST (9:30 AM IST). The match signifies the first-ever meeting between the senior men's cricket teams of India and Japan in any format and serves as a crucial warm-up for both nations ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. India vs Japan T20I Live Streaming Online to be Provided by FanCode.

Japan Squad Announced

🚨🇯🇵 THE SQUAD IS HERE! 🇯🇵🚨

日本 🇯🇵 が、スズキカップでインド 🇮🇳 と対戦する歴史的な一戦に臨むメンバーを発表しました。#japancricket #クリケット #india #JPNvIND #SuzukiCup pic.twitter.com/DtbkXKCmt0

— 一般社団法人 日本クリケット協会｜ JCA Japan Cricket Association (@CricketJapan) September 7, 2026

Japan's Squad for Historic Clash

Japan's squad for the Suzuki Cup is identical to the one selected for their Asian Games campaign, showcasing a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, Japan's all-time leading T20I run-scorer, will captain the side. He will be supported by veterans Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb, both of whom boast over 50 T20I appearances. Emerging spin-bowling all-rounder Jake Kusuda-Nairn has earned a call-up after impressive domestic performances, alongside the returning Tsuyoshi Takada, who first represented Japan in 2013.

Leg-spinner Makoto Taniyama, Japan's leading wicket-taker across pathway and international competitions, also features, famously modelling his action on Shane Warne and wearing the number 23 jersey in tribute. Wataru Miyauchi and Alex Shirai-Patmore are included as wicket-keeper options.

Japan Squad:

• Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (Captain)
• Charlie Hara-Hinze
• Benjamin Ito-Davis
• Alester Kadowaki-Fleming
• Kohei Kubota
• Jake Kusuda-Nairn
• Wataru Miyauchi (Wicketkeeper)
• Reo Sakurano-Thomas
• Alex Shirai-Patmore (Wicketkeeper)
• Shoma Sugaya-Slater
• Declan Suzuki-McComb
• Tsuyoshi Takada
• Ibrahim Takahashi
• Makoto Taniyama
• Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake

India's Preparations and Asian Games Context

India, currently ranked world number one in T20Is, will likely field a strong squad similar to their Asian Games contingent for this encounter. Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of India's T20 squad for the Asian Games, with Tilak Varma as his deputy, under the guidance of head coach VVS Laxman. This match provides India a vital opportunity to acclimatize to local conditions before their Asian Games campaign, where they are defending champions and will enter directly at the quarter-final stage. Japan, currently ranked 41st, will participate in the group stages of the Asian Games. Team India to Play T20I Against Japan Ahead of Asian Games 2026.

The 'Sport 75' Initiative and Venue Details

This T20I is a cornerstone of the 'Sport 75' initiative, a bilateral agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative aims to foster human exchanges and sports cooperation, aligning with India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Sano International Cricket Ground, home to the Japan Cricket Association, will host the match, with temporary upgrades to boost its seating capacity to approximately 2,000 spectators for the high-profile event.

This eagerly anticipated match not only offers Japan invaluable experience against a cricketing powerhouse but also symbolizes a deepening sporting and diplomatic bond between India and Japan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).