SportsPosted at: Sep 21 2026 9:25PM


Iyer, Sundar primed for India's historic T20I against Japan

Sano (Japan), Sep 21 (UNI) India will face Japan for the first time in international cricket on Tuesday, in a one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground.
The fixture comes ahead of India's Asian Games 2026 campaign, a 10-team men's T20 competition from September 24 to October 3 in Aichi-Nagoya. India will go in as defending champions, having won gold at the last edition in Hangzhou in 2023.
Japan, an ICC Associate Member since 2005, are still catching up with the game's traditional heavyweights.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer delved deep into India's preparation ahead of the historic fixture.
"I saw a little bit of reels going here and there. But yes, we will be doing our studies and knowing about the players more," he said.
"And super excited for the game tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn't rain, and all the viewers and the spectators who would be coming to the stadium will get a nice competitive game," he added.
Beyond the cricket, Iyer believes the trip to Japan is unlike anything the squad has experienced on previous tours.
"It's completely different from what we've been used to doing in terms of going to Australia, England, New Zealand.
"It's our very first time, and the culture and the people are very different in terms of how they are,
in terms of discipline.
"So I am someone who loves to embrace new culture and get used to the vibe and the accommodation as quickly as possible. So this is a new challenge for us and definitely
looking forward to it," he added.
Iyer believes the contest between the two teams is in line with cricket's global expansion, according
to ICC.
"Cricket is picking up in every country now. And all the teams are becoming dominant in their
own ways. So I'm sure this would be an exciting match as well tomorrow," he added.
All-rounder Washington Sundar echoed his captain's sentiments for the occasion.
"We've got two sort of big series or big tournaments coming up. Obviously, the one against Japan, we're all looking forward to," Sundar said, before framing the fixture as a landmark moment for the sport.
"I think India is playing Japan for the first time, and for all of us to be a part of such a historical game and an event, we're really grateful.
"Obviously, the Asian Games as well, and we're going to prepare in Tokyo. So all of us are really sort of excited to experience all of the facilities and be really ready whenever the Asian Games come."
Sundar was part of India's gold medal-winning squad at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Delving into his experience from three years ago, the all-rounder added that cricket's return to the Olympics in 2028 will raise the bar further for teams to step up.
"I was lucky enough to be part of the Asian Games last year in China as well, and yes, all of us are looking forward to the Olympics as well.
"It's a big stage, and there will be a few more countries who play cricket really well, and compete in that tournament, and yes, if we can win the gold medal in Olympics, it will be a massive blessing."
India arrive into the contest on the back of a dominant 3-0 T20I series win against Afghanistan.
Sundar is optimistic that the team's white-ball pedigree will shine as they look to repeat a gold-medal run at the Asian Games.
"We've always been unstoppable, and we've been extremely strong, especially in this format.
"So we're just looking forward to prepare over here in Tokyo and be really prepared by the time we go to Asian Games, and have a great set of games over there and eventually win the gold medal."
UNI BM
Tags: #Iyer# Sundar primed for India's historic T20I against Japan
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