India’s preparations for a landmark meeting with Japan have been interrupted by severe weather, with Typhoon Dujuan preventing the Indian men’s team from completing its planned training session on Monday, September 21.
The disruption comes just a day before India and Japan are scheduled to meet at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. The one-off Suzuki Cup T20 International on Tuesday will be the first men’s international cricket match between the two countries. The fixture is also part of events marking 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic relations.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of heavy rain, strong winds and an increased risk of landslides as Typhoon Dujuan moves towards eastern Japan. Reuters reported that more than 300mm of rain had already fallen in parts of the Izu Islands and that further intense rainfall was expected across affected areas.
The weather has caused wider disruption across Japan. At least 275 flights were cancelled on Monday, while some railway services were suspended and thousands of households in Chiba were left without power, according to an AFP report.
For India, the immediate consequence is a lost training opportunity ahead of an unfamiliar opponent and venue.
India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged before the match that the team has limited experience of playing Japan and will have to assess the conditions at Sano. In comments shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Iyer said the players were looking forward to the contest but did not yet know what to expect from the wicket and playing conditions.
First international meeting between India and Japan
The match carries significance beyond its status as a one-off fixture.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India and Japan Cricket Association arranged the Suzuki Cup as part of the celebrations for 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The BCCI said the match is also connected to the broader “Sport 75” initiative aimed at promoting sporting exchanges between the two countries.
For Japan, the fixture provides an opportunity to play an ICC full member and the reigning 2026 T20 World Cup champions. The International Cricket Council has described the encounter as Japan’s first meeting with India in international cricket.
Japan’s squad is led by Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, while the team is also preparing for its campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Japan will enter the Asian Games group stage, while India is scheduled to begin its campaign in the quarter-final stage.
India’s Asian Games preparation
The Japan match is also the final competitive assignment for India before the men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games.
India’s updated squad is led by Iyer and includes players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also part of the group.
India’s Asian Games quarter-final is scheduled for September 28. The team won the men’s cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games and arrives in Japan as the reigning T20 World Cup champion.
The squad has also undergone a late change. Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the Japan T20I and Asian Games because of a side strain, with Vipraj Nigam named as his replacement.
Weather remains an additional factor
The cancellation of Monday’s training session does not, by itself, indicate that Tuesday’s match will be affected. The two issues should be treated separately unless organisers or cricket authorities announce a change to the fixture.
The immediate weather situation, however, remains serious. Reuters reported that the typhoon was approaching Japan’s Pacific coast and that authorities had issued warnings related to flooding and landslides.
For India, the priority will now be adapting quickly to the conditions and venue without the benefit of the scheduled final training session.
The historic fixture is due to take place on Tuesday, September 22, at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. The match is intended to provide India with preparation for the Asian Games while giving Japan a rare opportunity to face one of international cricket’s leading teams on home soil.
What happened to India’s preparation for the Japan T20I?
India’s planned training session on September 21 was disrupted by severe weather associated with Typhoon Dujuan.
When is India playing Japan in the T20I?
India and Japan are scheduled to play on September 22, 2026, at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.
Why is the India-Japan T20I historic?
It is the first men’s international cricket meeting between India and Japan.
Where will the India-Japan T20I be played?
The match is scheduled for the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
Who is captaining India against Japan?
Shreyas Iyer is leading India in the Japan T20I and the Asian Games squad.
Why is India playing Japan before the Asian Games?
The match serves as India’s final preparation before the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, where India is scheduled to enter at the quarter-final stage.
What is affecting Japan’s weather?
Typhoon Dujuan is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to eastern Japan, with authorities warning of flooding and landslide risks.
