India are set to take part in a landmark occasion when they face Japan in their first-ever men’s senior international T20 cricket match on September 22. The fixture at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Sano, Kanto, carries significance beyond the result, as it will launch the ‘Sport 75’ initiative marking 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic relations. It will also serve as an important warm-up for both teams ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.

With the match approaching, former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed the team management to make two changes to the XI that featured in their most recent T20I against Afghanistan.

Aakash Chopra lists out key changes in India’s playing XI against Japan

Chopra believes India can afford to rotate their squad for the historic encounter, particularly with the Asian Games campaign also on the horizon. His primary suggestion is to rest Abhishek Sharma and give young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi an opportunity at the top of the order.

The former India opener wants Sooryavanshi to partner Sanju Samson in the opening slot, providing the youngster with an opportunity to feature in the landmark fixture. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said resting Abhishek would allow him to be preserved for the Asian Games, while Suryavanshi could be given valuable exposure against Japan.

“See, once again, this is a match where you could think about resting Abhishek Sharma. We would say, ‘Let Abhishek sit this one out, it’s okay. You go and play in the Asian Games.’ We can bring Vaibhav in as an opener alongside Sanju Samson. I would expect this one change for sure. This is something you should definitely do,” Chopra said.

Chopra’s second proposed change involves India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. With Bumrah also part of India’s squad for the Asian Games, Chopra feels there is little reason to expose him to unnecessary workload in a match where India are not expected to field their strongest possible combination. Instead, he wants the other bowlers in the squad to take responsibility and use the opportunity to gain match experience. He further explained that India do not necessarily need to deploy their strongest XI for the contest against Japan.

“Jasprit Bumrah is also part of the squad for the Asian Games. I wouldn’t play Jasprit Bumrah in this match. I’d say, ‘Come on, let the other bowlers play,’” Chopra stated.

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India enter special game after Afghanistan clean sweep

India head into the historic fixture in strong recent T20I form. Their last outing came on September 17 in Delhi, where they defeated Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third T20I to complete a 3-0 series clean sweep. Shreyas Iyer’s side will now turn its attention to Japan, with the upcoming match offering an opportunity to manage player workloads while also giving members of the squad valuable game time.

For Suryavanshi in particular, a place alongside Samson at the top of the order would provide an important opportunity on a historic occasion. Meanwhile, resting established players such as Abhishek and Bumrah would allow India to keep key members fresh ahead of the Asian Games.

The India-Japan clash will therefore carry significance both as a first meeting at senior men’s T20 international level and as part of the teams’ preparations for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

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