JPN vs IND: India's strongest playing XI for T20I against Japan - Predicted
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India will be playing for the first time against Japan.
The Indian Cricket Team will begin their Japan tour with T20I against Japan. The match will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Sano. on September 22. This match will be played under the Suzuki Cup banner, and it will be the first time Japan will face the India in any format of men’s international cricket.
This match was announced by the Japan Cricket Association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations, and it will further help strengthen the relations between the two countries
On that note, let’s look at India’s probable XI for the first IND vs AFG T20I.
India’s predicted XI for JPN vs IND 1st T20I
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1. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma‘s place in the Indian playing XI is confirmed. His aggressive approach makes him an ideal powerplay option. The left-handed batsman was Player of Series in Afghanistan T20Is, where he hit a 30-ball century in last match.
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Young gun Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might get an opportunity in the T20I against Japan. The 15-year-old star made his debut against England and also won the Player of the Series award against Zimbabwe. With his dynamic strokeplay, Sooryavanshi is likely to continue as the Indian opener.
3. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson might bat at three and take the wicketkeeper’s role. Ishan Kishan, who has been playing continous cricket might get rested, and allow Samson to bat at three.
4. Shreyas Iyer (C)
India’s captain Shreyas Iyer will occupy the crucial No. 4 position in the playing XI and is expected to play a major role in strengthening their middle-order batting. Iyer’s role will be crucial in this match.
5. Tilak Varma (VC)
Tilak Varma provides stability and also scores quick runs during the middle overs. If India lose early wickets, he provides balance and also builds partnerships when India need a strong finish. He didn’t have a great series against Afghanistan, and would be hoping to turn the tables around in this T20I.
6. Shivam Dube
The Indian all-rounder is one of the most experienced players and was part of the ICC T20 World Cup squad over the past two seasons. India won both World Cups, and Shivam Dube played a massive role. Dube remains India’s first-choice batting all-rounder.
7. Washington Sundar
While India are without Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar in the T20I against Japan. Nitish Kumar Reddy was released from the side, and this opens door for Washington Sundar in the XI.
8. Axar Patel
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been regular in the T20I side. Axar can contribute with both the bat and ball. He is an excellent spinner and also strengthens the team’s batting lineup.
9. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh, who was rested in last T20I against Afghanistan, is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Bumrah and provide a left-arm option. The left-arm pacer looked in great touch in Afghanistan series, and would be hoping to carry good form.
10. Jasprit Bumrah
After being cleared by the medical team, Jasprit Bumrah returned to international cricket following a long streak of injuries in Afghanistan series. He looked in great shape, and is expected to play against Japan, which will allow him some more game time.
11. Yash Thakur
With conditions being pace friendly, India are likely to give Yash Thakur a game. He played last T20I against Afghanistan, and had a decent outing. He would be keen to make an impact and help his team win.
When will the JPN vs IND T20I be played?
The JPN vs IND T20I will be played on September 22, 2026.
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