From Bihar to Japan: Abhishek Anand's Cricketing Journey Ahead of Historic T20I

Abhishek Anand's Remarkable Cricket Journey

By Vipul Kashyap

Tokyo [Japan], September 21: As India prepares for a significant T20I match against Japan, Abhishek Anand, a cricketer originally from Bihar, reflects on his extraordinary path from IIT Kanpur to representing Japan's national cricket team.

Anand expressed his gratitude for the chance to pursue his passion, admitting he never anticipated playing against India so soon.

The upcoming match will be a historic event, as Japan hosts India in a one-off T20I on Tuesday. This Suzuki Cup encounter serves as a crucial opportunity for both teams to refine their strategies ahead of the men's cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games.

"I often think about how I am following my passion, and I hoped to play against India one day. I never thought it would happen this quickly," Anand shared.

This match is particularly meaningful as it celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, adding to the occasion's significance.

Anand's cricketing journey began in Bihar, where he played tennis-ball cricket before pursuing an education at IIT due to his parents' encouragement. At 28, he relocated to Japan for work.

After securing a job offer from a Japanese firm through campus recruitment, he moved to Japan, joined the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club, and his impressive performances led to his selection for the Japan national team.

"My cricket journey started with tennis-ball cricket in Bihar during my childhood. While my parents wanted me to have a professional career, I studied IT. After entering the IT field, I began playing cricket seriously with a leather ball. In my final year, I received a job offer from a Japanese company, which prompted my move to Japan to explore cricket opportunities. I joined the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club and performed well, eventually earning a spot on the national team. That's how my journey from Bihar to Japan unfolded," he explained.