For Abhishek Anand, moving to Japan was supposed to be a professional decision. But alongside his career, he continued playing the sport he had always been passionate about. His journey eventually took him from the classrooms of IIT Kanpur to Japan’s national cricket team, creating an unusual connection between India and Japanese cricket.
Who is Abhishek Anand?
Abhishek Anand is a cricketer from Rohtas district in Bihar who later studied at IIT Kanpur. He completed his BS-MS in Chemistry from the institute and was also involved in cricket during his time there. After completing his studies, Anand moved to Japan for work. However, he continued playing cricket and became part of the local cricket scene, eventually making his way into Japan’s national setup.
How did Abhishek Anand get into Japan’s cricket team?
After moving to Japan, Anand joined the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club and continued playing alongside his professional career. His performances in Japanese domestic cricket eventually helped him earn an opportunity with the national side. He made his T20I debut for Japan against the Cook Islands in May 2025. Since then, he has represented Japan in international cricket while continuing his professional life in the country.
What is Abhishek Anand’s connection with India?
Anand’s journey attracted particular attention when India and Japan met in men’s international cricket for the first time in September 2026. The fixture created an interesting connection for the Bihar-born cricketer, who had studied and played cricket in India before building his international career in Japan. However, Anand was not part of Japan’s 15-member squad for the India-Japan T20I, so he did not take the field in the match. India eventually won the rain-shortened five-over game by two runs.
Why is Abhishek Anand’s journey significant?
Anand’s story stands out because his cricketing career developed alongside an entirely different professional path. He moved to Japan after studying at one of India’s leading institutes, found a cricket club there and continued working towards the sport he loved. From Rohtas to IIT Kanpur and then Japan’s national cricket team, his journey shows how cricket can continue to find a place in someone’s life even after moving across countries and choosing a different career path.