Bihar's Abhishek Anand: From IIT to Japan's Cricket Team

From IIT to Japan's National Team

As India prepares for a significant match against Japan, Abhishek Anand, a cricketer from Bihar, shares his extraordinary journey from IIT Kanpur to representing Japan's national cricket team. Anand expressed his gratitude for the chance to pursue his passion and never anticipated playing against India so soon.

A Historic Encounter

Japan will be in the spotlight as they host India for a unique T20I match on Tuesday. This Suzuki Cup clash 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 for a chance to play against India. I never thought it would come so quickly," Anand shared.

This match is part of the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, adding even more importance to this historic event.

The Journey from Bihar to Japan

Anand's cricketing journey began with tennis-ball cricket in Bihar, but he pursued IIT at his parents' urging. The 28-year-old, originally from Rohtas district in Bihar, relocated to Japan for work. After securing a job offer from a Japanese firm through campus placement, he moved to Japan, joined the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club, and showcased his talent, leading to his selection for the Japan national team.

"My cricket journey started with tennis-ball cricket in Bihar during my childhood. My parents encouraged me to pursue a professional career, so I studied IT. After entering the IT field, I began playing with a leather ball and took the sport more seriously. In my final year, I received a job offer from a Japanese company through campus placement. I decided to move to Japan to explore cricket opportunities, which is how my journey from Bihar to Japan began. Once there, I joined the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club and performed consistently, eventually earning a spot on the Japanese national team. That's how my journey unfolded," he explained.