Indian cricketers are making the most out of the time in Japan ahead of the Asian Games 2026, with many players taking a break from cricket to see the country during the last week of September. Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who had played Japan in the one-off Suzuki Cup T20I on September 22, had some time for some downtime before India’s Asian Games campaign begins in August.
On social media, the players provided pictures of their Japan experience, giving fans a glimpse of how the Indian team is spending their time away from cricket. In their Japan work-out the team has had time to get away from cricket, the team is relaxed and spending time in Japan, seeing what it does to go to a country that’s home, visiting the places to enjoy and experience Japanese culture, and then make it to the Asian Games.
Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma And Washington Sundar Explore Japan
Shreyas Iyer, India T20 captain, was among the players who visited Japan. Iyer was seen alongside teammates Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar as they spent time together away from their sports commitments.
As they explored the roads and surroundings, the players appeared in a relaxed mood. For a team preparing for a big international tournament, the short break allows the players to relax and spend time together with their team members away from the competition.
Team bonding is crucial for a tournament campaign: a group with players of different nationalities can be very important. India’s Asian Games team includes such familiar names as well as younger players who will be hoping to make an impact on a major multi-sport stage.
Abhishek Sharma And Ishan Kishan Share Restaurant Moments
Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also showed fans a glimpse into their time in Japan. It was the two who were seen in pictures from a restaurant in Japan that showed the relaxed atmosphere around the Indian camp during the team’s match against Japan.
Cricket fans had the social media posts to catch up with Indian team activity ahead of Asian Games. But the players were obviously enjoying the chance to experience Japan before the tournament starts.
India’s victory against Japan in the Suzuki Cup T20I provided the team with a good beginning for staying in the country. But the Asian Games will be more challenging for India with a greater test in the competition.
India Have A Strong Squad For Asian Games 2026
India’s squad contains many experienced international cricketers and young talent. Iyer will lead the T20 side, while Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have all contributed.
Varun Chakaravarthy provides another spin option while India's pace attack comprises Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Ravi Bishnoi also strengthens the team’s bowling resources, especially in the spin department.
As a team one of the most talked about points is the young teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His arrival gives India a bright young star and fans another player to watch during the tournament.
Young and old players will provide India with a very balanced team to play with as it gears up for the Asian Games. Some of the players already have international experience and others are on their way.
Focus To Shift Back To Cricket.
Although the players are currently enjoying their time in Japan, the relaxed outings are only a short-term respite before heading back to cricket. The Indian side will be the primary target at the Asian Games and preparations have been going up in recent months.
For players like Iyer, Abhishek, Kishan, Tilak and Washington, the tournament also gives momentum and a chance to contribute to India’s campaign. The presence of experienced stars like Bumrah and Axar only adds to the squad depth.
The Indian team will now have to balance preparation with recovery as they go into the Asian Games. That time spent in Japan could also lead the players to settle in the host country to have a good base of team camaraderie before the actual competition starts.
But for now the social media pictures from Japan have given cricket fans a lighter glimpse of the Indian team. Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and their teammates appeared to be making the most of their stay, and the Asian Games campaign will bring the focus back to cricket.
