IND vs JPN T20I: Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Be Preferred?
India are set to face Japan in a historic one-off T20 International in Sano on September 22, with cricket fans looking forward to the first-ever T20I meeting between the two teams. The match is also an important preparation ga
me ahead of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games.
One of the main talking points ahead of the match is whether young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be included in India’s playing XI. The 15-year-old has been named in India’s squad and has attracted considerable attention after his performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League.
Sooryavanshi is a left-handed batter and is regarded as one of India’s promising young cricket talents. He made his international debut against England earlier this year and later scored two half-centuries against Zimbabwe. However, he was not included in India’s playing XI during the recent T20I series against Afghanistan.
India coach Gautam Gambhir has previously said that Sooryavanshi needs to be patient and that his opportunity will come. With the Japan match taking place before India’s Asian Games campaign, the young batter could be considered for a chance, although the final playing XI will depend on the team’s plans.
India have named a strong squad for the Japan match and the Asian Games. The squad includes experienced players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, along with younger players including Sooryavanshi.
For Japan, the match represents an important opportunity to play against one of the leading teams in international cricket. Japan have been developing their cricket programme and will be looking to make the most of the historic occasion.
The match will also help India assess their combinations before the Asian Games men’s cricket tournament begins. India are scheduled to start their Asian Games campaign in the quarter-finals on September 28.
Whether Sooryavanshi gets his opportunity against Japan remains one of the key questions for Indian fans. His inclusion would give him another chance to gain international experience, while the match will provide India with valuable preparation ahead of their Asian Games title defence.