Former India opener Aakash Chopra has named five Japan players who could make an impact in the one-off T20I against India. The match is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, September 22, at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The contest will be the first-ever meeting between India and Japan in senior men’s international cricket. While India will enter the game with considerably more experience, Chopra has identified five players from the Japanese side who could pose a challenge to the Men in Blue.

Aakash Chopra names five Japan players to watch out for

Chopra’s first two picks were Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Declan Suzuki-McComb. Kadowaki-Fleming is a left-handed batter who also bowls right-arm off-spin and generally bats at No. 3 or somewhere in the top order. He has scored 1,879 runs in 56 matches, including 12 half-centuries and two hundreds.

Suzuki-McComb is another left-handed batter who bowls right-arm medium pace. He has scored 435 runs and taken 35 wickets in 55 matches. Chopra highlighted his big-hitting ability, particularly with the all-rounder usually batting lower down the order. The former India opener then picked Charlie Hara-Hinze and Makoto Taniyama as two bowling options to watch.

Hara-Hinze bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin and has taken 47 wickets in 38 matches at an economy rate of 4.97, with best figures of 5/6. Taniyama has claimed 43 wickets in 41 matches and also boasts an economy rate of around 5.30. Chopra noted that the leg-spinner could provide another challenge for India’s batters.

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Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake completes Chopra’s list

Chopra’s fifth selection was Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, who generally opens the batting for Japan. He has scored 837 runs in 43 innings, including two half-centuries and a hundred. The opener was described by Chopra as Japan’s second-best batter after their captain. His ability to provide a solid start could be important for Japan as they prepare to face India’s bowling attack.

The one-off T20I will give Japan an opportunity to test themselves against India in a landmark international fixture. Chopra’s five selections include players from both the batting and bowling departments, with the former India opener identifying the individuals he believes India should keep an eye on during the contest.

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