'We want to show we can compete against India' - Japan ready for historic Suzuki Cup clash

Japan will face India in a historic first-ever meeting between the two nations in any format of international cricket on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. The match marks a significant milestone in the cricketing calendar, with India ranked World No. 1 and reigning T20 World Cup champions. The encounter celebrates the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations and forms part of the Sport 75 initiative agreed during a summit between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Japan's squad has been shaped by Asian Games eligibility rules, with several players excluded despite being available for the Suzuki Cup match. The team will be led by captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming. Among the squad, Jake Kusuda-Nairn is tipped for a potential international debut. His sister Elena competes for the Japanese women's cricket team, which recently faced India in an Asian Games quarter-final in Nagoya, where India won by 8 wickets.

"I can't wait to just get out there, take on the challenge and I'm really looking forward to it. To represent Japan on the global stage and promote cricket in Japan is something I'm really honoured and proud to do. As a team we want to show that we can compete against a team like India and show that Japan spirit, the Japan way, but also play in a fair and respectful way," said Benjamin Ito-Davis to ICC.

India's squad is led by captain Shreyas Iyer with Tilak Varma as deputy, and will be coached by VVS Laxman, who previously guided India to gold at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games. The squad includes teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India's youngest men's team debutant, and pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out on September 16 due to a side strain and was replaced by Vipraj Nigam. The match provides India with acclimatisation ahead of the Asian Games 2026, scheduled for September 24 to October 3.

Kusuda-Nairn carries personal motivation into the contest, with his sister's recent experience in the women's competition providing both perspective and encouragement. The potential debutant has spoken about the significance of representing Japan on the global stage and the responsibility that comes with promoting cricket in the country.

"She (Elena) just told me to take everything in and enjoy myself out there. I'm just going to take it one ball at a time. A couple of wickets would be nice," said Jake.

"Even from a couple of years ago, the growth has been incredible. The U19s doing well at the World Cup has definitely boosted Japan cricket. The media following, even the comments about how they love our jersey (has been positive)," he added.

Ito-Davis emphasised the growth of cricket in Japan and the positive reception the team has received from supporters and media. The Japan player highlighted how the sport's profile in the country has expanded significantly in recent years, with increased media coverage and fan engagement.

"If I'm able to maybe inspire a Japanese kid to play cricket, boy or girl, to try cricket for the first time, that would be my greatest success story. A chance to promote the game even more (in Japan) is my goal," said Ito-Davis.

With approximately 3,000 seats available for the fixture, tickets for the encounter sold out within one hour. The match will commence at 1:00 PM local Japan time on September 22, providing Japan with an opportunity to compete against the world's top-ranked T20I team while promoting the sport in the country.