Born in Bihar, Masters from IIT Kanpur but with cricket still in his heart, Abhishek Anand took his passion to Japan.

Japanese cricketer Abhishek Anand (Image: @abhishekanand6527/Instagram) Abhishek Anand’s journey from IIT Kanpur to Japan’s national cricket team took an unexpected turn and now a viral video has put the Bihar-born cricketer in the limelight ahead of Japan’s historic T20I against India.The 28-year-old, who hails from Bihar’s Rohtas district, moved to Japan for work after completing his chemistry degree at IIT Kanpur. He continued to play cricket alongside his professional career and eventually earned a spot in the Japanese national team.However, despite the buzz surrounding his story, Abhishek’s participation in the September 22 match is not confirmed. Japan announced a 15-man squad for the match and Abhishek is not among the players selected.

From IIT Kanpur to the Japanese cricket circuit

During his college years at IIT Kanpur, he remained associated with cricket and led the institute’s team. After graduation, he moved to Tokyo to work. Instead of giving up the sport, he started playing club cricket in Japan, balancing his professional commitments with his passion for the game.His performances on the local cricket circuit helped him earn a call-up to the Japan national team. Abhishek made his T20I debut against the Cook Islands on 9 May 2025. Since then, he has played 18 T20Is, scoring 275 runs, including a top score of 55, and taking one wicket, according to figures reported in recent reports.

‘Bihari Kahan Nahi Hai Bhai’: Abhishek’s video goes viral

Abhishek’s journey has garnered attention on social media ahead of the India-Japan match, with a video of the cricketer going viral. In the clip, he is asked if he is a Bihari representing Japan. His response and message targeting the Indian team created interest among cricket fans, with the phrase “Bihari kahan nahi hai bhai” attracting particular attention.

India vs Japan T20I: Match details

India and Japan are set to meet in a historic one-off men’s T20I on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi, Japan. The match will be the first men’s international cricket meeting between the two countries and is being held under the Suzuki Cup banner to commemorate 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic relations. It will also serve as preparation for the Asian Games, where the cricket competition begins two days later.Japan Squad for India T20I: Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (captain), Charlie Hara-Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Kohei Kubota, Jake Kusuda-Nairn, Wataru Miyauchi, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Alex Shirai-Patmore, Shoma Sugaya-Slater-Mcada, IMCada Suyuhi Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, Lake Lachlan YamamotoIndia Squad for Japan T20I: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Nigam, Vipraj, Yash Thakur, Vipraj.

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