Japan Head Coach Bedingfield Relishes Surprise Second Shot Of Taking On India Via Historic T20I Game
Sano International Cricket Ground: A month ago, Japan coach Dhugal Bedingfield had no idea his side would be facing world champions India in a men’s T20I game in 2026. Cut to now, and on Tuesday, the Bedingfield-coached Japan will walk out against India in a historic 20-over game at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, in front of a sell-out crowd.
The game, to be played for the Suzuki Cup, serves as a rare chance for Japan to test themselves against India, the current T20 World Cup holders. It also serves as a warm-up for the Asian Games men's T20 cricket competition starting two days later, where Japan will take on Afghanistan, while Shreyas Iyer-led India go straight into the quarter-finals.
"Well, this Japan-India match has come along pretty quickly and suddenly. So a month ago, we really had no idea that this match was going to go ahead and then it was talked about and I believe from a very high level in Japan and India, Prime Ministers were discussing it. It's all just come together very quickly. Read More...
