Japan name squad for historic India T20I in Sano

As part of their Asian Games preparation, the side have opted not to include players who are eligible to play T20Is under ICC regulations but ineligible under Asian Games rules.

It means the likes of emerging spin-bowling all-rounder Jake Kusuda-Nairn earns a call-up to the squad after impressing in domestic competition, and a return for Tsuyoshi Takada, who first appeared for Japan back at the ICC East Asia-Pacific Twenty20 Championship in 2013.

The squad also includes Wataru Miyauchi and Makoto Taniyama who are alumni of Japanese schools with cricket Bukatsu programs. Taniyama, a leg-spinner who modelled his action while watching Shane Warne videos on YouTube, also plays in shirt number 23 in honour of the Australian great, and is Japan's leading wicket-taker across all pathway and international competitions.

Charlie Hara-Hinze, who featured in the side's U19 Cricket World Cup team that claimed victory over Tanzania, is also in the squad.

The side also welcome back spinner Benjamin Ito-Davis, who's East-Asia Pacific T20 World Cup 2028 Sub-Regional Qualifier was cut short due to a hand injury.

Japan placed second in that tournament and remain alive for 2028 T20 World Cup qualification, level on points but edged on net run rate by Papua New Guinea despite defeating the Barramundis on the final day of competition.

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