The historic one-off T20I match is scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground.
The historic one-off T20I match between India and Japan is scheduled for Tuesday (September 22) at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations and serving as preparation for the Asian Games 2026.
Addressing the media on Monday (September 21), all-rounder Washington Sundar praised Japan's advanced technological infrastructure and expressed enthusiasm for India's first-ever cricket match against Japan.
“I mean, it's beautiful. I feel the technology is so much more advanced than most of the countries I've been to. It's just a beautiful place to be and for us to be also playing cricket over here, we're all really looking forward and we've got two sort of big series or big tournaments coming up. Obviously, the one against Japan, we're all looking forward,” Sundar told reporters.
“I think India is playing Japan for the first time ever and for all of us to be a part of such a historical game and an event, we're really grateful. Obviously, the Asian Games as well, and we're going to prepare in Tokyo. So, all of us are really sort of excited to experience all of the facilities and be really ready whenever the Asian Games come,” he added.
Sundar candidly admitted that he knows very little about the opposition lineup. However, he is excited to interact with local players to understand their thoughts on the growth of cricket in Japan.
“Honestly, I haven't seen most of the players, but really looking forward to play a good game against them and obviously have a bit of interaction with them and understand what they think about cricket in Japan. Obviously, it'll be lovely to see them travel across the world and play some high-quality cricket. But yes, tomorrow is going to be a big day for all of us and all of us are excited,” he said.
Sundar highlighted the unique thrill of multi-sport events, recalling his previous gold-winning campaign with Team India at the Hangzhou Asian Games in China. Looking ahead to cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, he noted that competing on such a massive stage and winning a gold medal would be a "massive blessing."
“Very much. Obviously, I was lucky enough to be part of the Asian Games last year in China as well and yes, all of us are looking forward to Olympics as well.
“It's a big stage and there will be a few more countries who play cricket really well, and compete in that tournament and yes, if we can win the gold medal in Olympics, it will be a massive blessing,” he remarked.
Washington Sundar emphasized that while the team is thrilled to participate in this historic fixture, their absolute focus remains on preparing in Tokyo, maximizing their strengths, and ultimately claiming the gold medal when their Asian Games campaign officially begins at the quarterfinal stage on September 28.
“To obviously win the gold medal and can play to our strength and potential here. We've always been unstoppable and we've been extremely strong, especially in this format. So, we're just looking forward to prepare over here in Tokyo and be really prepared by the time we go to Asian Games and have a great set of games over there and eventually win the gold medal.”
Sundar expressed his awe for Tokyo’s infrastructure cleanliness, and overall atmosphere, citing that the city feels likes "10-15 years ahead of time".
“I mean, some of my friends have already come over here and they've always told me that when you experience Japan, you can expect it to be at least 10-15 years ahead of time and yes, I mean, we've not had much time to go out yet but it just looks really beautiful.
“The facilities are amazing, especially this hotel and around the hotel, everything is so clean. So, obviously, looking forward to play a lot of games here and understand the conditions, what the conditions are like here and have a great experience in Japan.
“Obviously, playing a big tournament like Asian Games, it's just a great blessing for all of us to be here and if we could play some good cricket and win the gold medal as well, I think we would all carry all the memories through this tour and obviously the gold medal for a very, very long time.”
Beyond his appreciation for Japan's infrastructure, Sundar shared immense excitement about diving into local culinary experiences, calling himself a "massive fan of Japanese food" and looking forward to visiting authentic local restaurants.
“To be honest, I'm a massive fan of Japanese food. So, I'm definitely looking forward to try a lot of Japanese delicacies and just go to different Japanese restaurants and more authentic restaurants and understand what it's like over here.
“Obviously, it will be more local and it will be more authentic over here and just try and go to a few restaurants and have a great experience of having good meals from Japanese restaurants,” he concluded.
(With IANS Inputs)