Cricket can take players to unexpected places and Chennai-born Sabaorish Ravichandran is a good example. The Indian-born all-rounder has represented Japan for about four years in international cricket, and has built a cricket career far away from his home.
His story has attracted attention ahead of Japan's historic meeting with India in a T20I on September 22, 2026. But Sabaorish will not be in the match for that match because he recently moved back to Chennai and is not part of Japan's squad for the fixture.
From Chennai to Japan
Sabaorish spent a decade in Japan and played cricket there. The 34-year-old mechanical engineer built his career while also working professionally, reflecting the part-time nature of cricket in Japan.
He came to Japan's cricket team and played in international games for the country. He played 53 games for Japan, so he’s already a part of the cricket community of the country.
His journey shows the increasing use of foreign and Indian-originated players in developing cricket in associate nations.
Why is he back in Chennai?
Sabaorish recently moved to Chennai. He said that he intends to return to Japan if there is an international tournament that requires his participation.
His move back home was mixed with disappointment. Japan and India are scheduled to meet in a historic T20I in Japan, but Sabaorish will watch the match from Chennai instead of representing Japan against India.
He knew he would miss the Asian Games due to eligibility requirements but the possibility of playing India in a bilateral match was particularly difficult, he said.
Why can't Sabaorish play in the Asian Games?
One of the main reasons is the eligibility requirement for the Asian Games. Sabaorish qualifies to represent Japan through residency, but he does not hold a Japanese passport.
He cannot be included in Japan's Asian Games cricket team under the nationality rules which apply. He is also not in the squad for the September 22 match against India.
Cricket, but make it Japanese! 🇯🇵
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 17, 2026
As India gears up for a historic game in Japan next week, here’s
Chennai-born Japan cricketer Sabaorish Ravichandran breaking down some cricketing terms in Japanese for us! 🗣️✨
Full Cricket Kadhaigal coming soon.
Arigato, Sabaorish! 💛… pic.twitter.com/CFJl3csK7E
Japan Cricket's Historic Match Against India
Japan will play India on September 22, 2026 at Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi.
The match will be the first bilateral men’s international cricket match between India and Japan. It’s also part of celebrations to mark 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic ties and preparation for the Asian Games.
The Japan Cricket Association has been working on developing the sport locally (in schools, for example) and teaching players about cricket terminology in Japanese.
A Different Kind of Cricket Journey.
Sabaorish’s tale shows how cricket is not so much restricted to the traditional strongholds as being able to spread out into other countries. He continued playing even after moving to Japan, having a regular professional career.
He has also talked about Japanese players’ passion and dedication as many of them have regular jobs and play cricket on weekends.
For Sabaorish, representing Japan has been one of the most important aspects of his cricket career and even so he has roots in Chennai.
