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India's Likely T20I XI vs Japan: Sooryavanshi In, Abhishek Sharma Out?
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News18•21-09-2026, 17:01
India's Likely T20I XI vs Japan: Sooryavanshi In, Abhishek Sharma Out?
- •India considers rotating players for the T20I against Japan, given Japan's lower ranking (41st) and the Indian squad's workload ahead of the Asian Games.
- •Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might replace Abhishek Sharma as an opener, partnering with Sanju Samson, to give Sooryavanshi another opportunity.
- •Ishan Kishan could be rested, making way for all-rounder Washington Sundar at number three, adding a bowling option.
- •Vipraj Nigam, a last-minute replacement for Varun Chakaravarthy, might come in for Nitish Kumar Reddy, joining Ravi Bishnoi as a spin option.
- •Jasprit Bumrah could be rested after the Afghanistan T20Is, with Arshdeep Singh potentially taking his place in the lineup.
Key Questions Answered
The probable playing 11 for India includes Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Vipraj Nigam, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, and Arshdeep Singh.
Abhishek Sharma's spot is cemented following his record-shattering century in Delhi, and rotating players helps manage heavy workloads ahead of the Asian Games, allowing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to get another chance.
VVS Laxman is coaching the team for this match and the Asian Games, and he reportedly fought to keep Washington Sundar in the squad.
