Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named in India’s playing XI for the high-stakes second semi-final of the men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2026. India is set to face Sri Lanka at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Thursday, October 1, with the T20 match scheduled to start at 10:00 AM IST. Shreyas Iyer will captain the Indian side, with Sanju Samson confirmed as the wicketkeeper.
Sooryavanshi will slot in as a top-order batter, opening the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. In a significant boost, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah returns to the lineup for this crucial knockout fixture. The rest of the playing XI comprises Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi.
How did India and Sri Lanka reach the semifinal?
Both India and Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals without playing a single ball in their respective quarterfinal matches, as persistent heavy rain disrupted the tournament schedule. India’s quarterfinal clash against Afghanistan on September 29, 2026, was completely washed out, with the outcome decided based on team seedings. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s match against Nepal on September 30, 2026, was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and seedings also determined their progression. This rain-affected route means both teams arrive at the semifinals without any competitive knockout match practice, introducing a layer of uncertainty.
The upcoming clash on October 1 will mark the first true knockout game for both teams in the tournament. With no prior knockout rhythm, the toss and the early powerplay overs are expected to play a decisive role in this straight-elimination contest.
What does Bumrah’s return mean for India’s bowling attack?
The inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah brings invaluable experience and leadership to India’s bowling attack for the knockout stage. Partnering Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, India boasts a highly varied attack capable of challenging Sri Lanka’s batting order. While Axar Patel offers left-arm spin and Washington Sundar provides off-spin, Ravi Bishnoi adds leg-spin variety. Bumrah’s precision during the powerplay and his death bowling expertise make him a critical asset in a format where a single over can define the outcome of a knockout match.
India Playing XI:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah
