NEW DELHI: India’s preparations for their historic T20 International against Japan were disrupted by rain and stormy conditions on Monday, with Typhoon Dujuan approaching eastern Japan and preventing the Shreyas Iyer-led side from training on the eve of the landmark fixture.The powerful typhoon was moving towards Japan’s Pacific coast, bringing torrential rain, strong winds and an increased risk of landslides across the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and surrounding areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that conditions could deteriorate rapidly as the storm moved closer to the region.The India squad is based in Japan ahead of Tuesday’s match at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. The fixture, called the Suzuki Cup, marks the first meeting between India and Japan in men’s international cricket and has been organised as part of celebrations marking 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic relations.
Typhoon disrupts India’s preparations
Heavy rain had already lashed parts of eastern Japan, with the Izu Islands and areas along the Pacific coast recording more than 300 mm of rainfall since Saturday. The weather agency warned that rainfall could intensify as Dujuan approached the Kanto region, while authorities also cautioned about the possibility of linear rain bands capable of triggering flash floods.The weather disruption has also affected the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with organisers postponing the equestrian eventing competition as a precaution against the approaching storm.For India, the loss of the eve-of-match training session means the players will head into a first-ever international encounter with Japan without a final opportunity to familiarise themselves with the local conditions.That could be particularly relevant given that even captain Iyer admitted the Indian side has limited knowledge of the playing conditions and wicket.
Iyer excited despite unfamiliar conditions
Speaking ahead of the match, Iyer described his experience in Japan so far as “beautiful” and praised the hospitality he and his teammates had received.“It is beautiful. I mean, the time we landed, we saw the people very cordial, generous, and helpful in nature, which we see at back at home as well. The hospitality is brilliant, and yeah, I mean, it is too early to talk about it, but I’m sure that I’ve heard special things from people about Japan as a country and Tokyo as a city as well, so looking forward to explore more,” Iyer said in a video shared by BCCI.The India captain acknowledged the unfamiliarity surrounding the contest.“It is going to be a thrilling and exciting match for us. This is the first time we would be playing Japan, and do not know much about the conditions, the wicket, but looking forward to have a great match,” he added.The match also serves as India’s final preparation before their Asian Games campaign, which begins on September 28 with a quarterfinal. India enter the fixture as the reigning T20 World Cup champions, while Japan are ranked 41st in the format. BCCI has confirmed the Japan match as part of India’s build-up to the Asian Games.For Japan, meanwhile, the occasion represents a major milestone. The hosts will face one of the biggest names in international cricket on home soil, with Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming insisting his side are not merely there to celebrate the occasion but to demonstrate what they can do.
