Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Attend India's Optional Indoor Training Session Ahead of Asian Games 2026
Indian cricket stars Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi participated in an optional indoor training session today, September 24, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The session comes as the defending champions, led by Shreyas Iyer, gear up for the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament, which officially commenced today and runs until October 3.
With the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament officially commencing today, September 24, 2026, the Indian squad held a crucial optional indoor training session to fine-tune their preparations. Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were among the players seen diligently working out under the watchful eyes of head coach VVS Laxman, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Asian Games 2026 Men's Cricket Points Table With Net Run-Rate (NRR): MAL Tops Group B After Win Over HKC.
Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Headline India's Optional Training Session
Intensive Preparations Underway
The indoor net session, held in Aichi-Nagoya, comes on the very day the men's T20 cricket tournament at the 20th Asian Games begins at the Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin. While India, as defending champions, receives a direct entry into the quarter-finals, the players are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for another gold medal. The intense session focused on various aspects of T20 cricket, allowing the squad to adapt to conditions and sharpen their skills before their first match.
India's Asian Games Campaign
The men's cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 will run until October 3. India, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, will begin their title defense from the quarter-final stage, scheduled for September 28. They will face the Group A runners-up, with preliminary matches involving other nations taking place from today. The entire tournament is being played in the fast-paced T20 format, a format India has mastered, having also clinched the men's T20 gold at the Hangzhou 2023 Games. Harmanpreet Kaur Visibly Irritated by Media Flashlights at Airport on Return to India After Asian Games 2026 Cricket Gold.
Key Fixtures for India (Men's Cricket)
| Stage | Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-Finals | September 28, 2026 | Group A Runners-up | Kōrogi Sports Park, Nisshin |
| Semi-Finals | October 1, 2026 | TBD | Kōrogi Sports Park, Nisshin |
| Final | October 3, 2026 | TBD | Kōrogi Sports Park, Nisshin |
Player Spotlight: Samson and Sooryavanshi
Sanju Samson, the 31-year-old right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, has been a pivotal part of the Indian setup, bringing experience and stability to the squad.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at just 15 years old, is a remarkable talent. The left-handed top-order batter made history in July 2026 by becoming the youngest Indian to debut in T20I cricket against England, at 15 years and 99 days of age. His burgeoning career also includes being the youngest IPL debutant and centurion, a feat achieved in April 2025 for Rajasthan Royals.
India's men's squad for the Asian Games 2026 is a strong mix of experience and youthful exuberance. With players like Samson providing stability and Sooryavanshi offering explosive potential, coupled with the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, India will be strong contenders to retain their Asian Games cricket title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 03:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).