Asian Games 2026: Full-strength India to face inexperienced Afghanistan in opener

India will face an inexperienced Afghanistan in their Asian Games opener on Monday (September 28, 2026), with the overwhelming favourites looking to quickly acclimatise to the unfamiliar conditions in Japan.

India would not know what to expect from the surface at the Korogi Sports Park which also staged the women’s competition won by Harmanpreet Kaur and Co.

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Though the women’s event was a high-scoring affair, the men’s games thus far have not seen big totals.

After the one-off game against Japan in Sano on September 22, when India were pushed to the limit by the hosts on a turning track, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has not had much to do.

India have utilised the time exploring the sights and sounds of Japan. The players reached Nagoya from Tokyo via the iconic bullet train and expectedly enjoyed the journey.

Being in a non-cricketing nation for the first time has also been a refreshing experience for the majority of the players. “It has been beautiful,” Iyer told the BCCI website on way to Nagoya.

It is to be noted that India have come here with a full strength squad unlike last time with Iyer himself part of the side alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel.

Considering the depth of Indian cricket in the shortest format, such a decision has been questioned by the experts when the focus should be on the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Anything less than a gold would be disappointing, especially factoring in the rocky start Iyer has had to ensure as captain post back-to-back titles in the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan, who were hammered by India in Delhi recently, have come here with an inexperienced squad led by Darwish Rasooli. The selectors picked as many as six uncapped players for the tournament.

While India begin their tournament from the quarterfinals, Afghanistan have got a taste of the conditions and a surprising defeat at the hands of Nepal in the group stage. They played Japan in the tournament opener before going down against Nepal. The batting has been their achilles heal as usual.

Afghanistan must raise their game to stand a chance against India.

Unlike other athletes, Indian cricketers did not have issues checking into their accommodation, with the BCCI taking the matters in their own hands. The players are housed in a five star hotel in the heart of Nagoya.

A lot of eyes will be 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but he is unlikely to get a game with India having a settled combination in Abhishek and Sanju Samson. Three wins in three knock out matches will give India a back-to-back gold the Asian Games.