Shreyas Iyer looks forward to Japan T20I, hopes rain doesn’t spoil historic contest
India captain Shreyas Iyer is looking forward to a first-ever meeting with Japan in men’s international cricket but hopes the weather will allow the landmark T20I to go ahead as planned in San on Tuesday.
The one-off Suzuki Cup match at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture is part of the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
However, India’s preparations were marred by bad weather. The team’s scheduled practice on Monday was canceled due to adverse conditions and wet terrain. Typhoon Dujuan brought warnings of heavy rain and strong winds across parts of eastern Japan, adding uncertainty ahead of the match.
“It’s going to be an exciting and exciting game for us. It’s the first time we’re going to play Japan and, uh, I don’t know much about the conditions, the wickets, but I’m looking forward to a great game,” Iyer said at the pre-match press conference.
WANT TO COME JAPAN EXPERIENCE
The India captain said the tour offered the players an opportunity to experience a culture very different from what they encountered during regular cricket tours to countries such as Australia, England and New Zealand.
“Definitely, it’s very different to what we’re used to doing in terms of going to Australia, England, New Zealand. It’s a very first time and the culture and the people are very different in terms of what they’re like, how they’re discipline-wise,” he said.
“I’m someone who likes to embrace a new culture and get used to the atmosphere and accommodation as quickly as possible. So it’s a new challenge for us and I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Iyer also spoke warmly about his first impressions of Japan after the team’s arrival. He praised the hospitality and said he would like to explore more of the country during the trip.
“It’s beautiful. When we landed, we saw people very warm, generous, and helpful in nature, which we see back home. The hospitality is great, and, uh, yeah, I mean, it’s too early to talk about it, but I’m sure I’ve heard strange things from people about Japan as a country and Tokyo as a city, so I’m looking forward to exploring more.”
The captain also took a brief look at the Japan players and said that India will scout the opposition in more detail before the match.
“Yeah, I saw a little bit of reeling here and there. But, uh, yeah, we’re going to study and know more about the players and we’re really looking forward to the game tomorrow. Hopefully it won’t rain and all the spectators and spectators who come to the stadium will have a nice competitive game,” he said.
Iyer said the rapid growth of cricket in various countries has made encounters like India’s with Japan possible.
“No, I never thought about it but yes, I think cricket is booming in every country now and all the teams are becoming dominant in their own way. So I am sure it will be an exciting match tomorrow as well,” he said.
The match will be another part of India’s preparations ahead of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games starting later in September. India are expected to enter the quarter-final stage on September 28.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
21 Sep 2026 23:09 IST