Japan is set to take on reigning ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions India in a historic men's T20I clash on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The blockbuster encounter serves as a major preparation milestone for Japan ahead of their campaign at the Asian Games in Nagoya, which gets underway just two days later.

Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming to Lead Japan Squad

Japan have officially named their squad for the clash, which mirrors the selection for their upcoming Asian Games campaign. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, Japan's all-time leading run-scorer in T20I cricket, will captain the side. Experienced campaigners Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb, who have each represented the nation in over 50 T20Is, add crucial depth to the lineup.

The selection policy strictly aligned with Asian Games eligibility requirements, leaving out some ICC-eligible players. This decision opened doors for domestic standout Jake Kusuda-Nairn, an emerging spin-bowling all-rounder, while veteran spinner Tsuyoshi Takada—who debuted for Japan in 2013—earns a recall.

Grassroots Development and Rising Stars

The squad features notable domestic talent developed through Japanese school Bukatsu cricket programs, including wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi and leg-spinner Makoto Taniyama. Taniyama, who famously shaped his bowling action by watching Shane Warne videos on YouTube, sports jersey No. 23 in honor of the Australian cricket icon and remains Japan's top wicket-taker across pathway and international fixtures.

Under-19 star Charlie Hara-Hinze has earned a spot following his performances at the U19 Cricket World Cup, while spinner Benjamin Ito-Davis returns to international cricket after recovering from a hand injury sustained during the East-Asia Pacific T20 World Cup 2028 Sub-Regional Qualifier.

Part of the 'Sport 75' Bilateral Initiative

The fixture marks the launch of "Sport 75," an initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, human exchanges, and athletic cooperation between India and Japan. The sporting partnership stems from high-level agreements between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which also highlighted India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Japan's Upcoming Schedule

Prior to facing India, Japan will play two T20Is against Hong Kong on September 19 and 20. Following their historic match against India on September 22, Japan will travel to Nagoya for the Asian Games, where they face Afghanistan on September 24 and Nepal on September 26, aiming for a top-two finish to reach the quarter-finals.

Japan Squad

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