Bihar-Born IIT Graduate Represents Japan in Cricket
Bihar-Born IIT Graduate Represents Japan in Cricket
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Key Points
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Anand qualified to represent Japan after meeting the country’s requirement of living there for three consecutive years.
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He initially hesitated to leave India: after receiving an Accenture Japan placement offer, Anand had two hours to decide and researched Japanese cricket before accepting it, encouraged by Japan’s qualification for an East Asia-Pacific World Cup qualifier.
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While at IIT Kanpur, Anand earned a Chemistry degree and captained the institute’s cricket team, maintaining a connection to the sport before moving to Tokyo for work.
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Beyond his 275 T20I runs, Anand’s record includes a highest score of 55 and one wicket in 18 appearances; he made his Japan debut against the Cook Islands on May 9, 2025.
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A social-media video helped propel Anand’s story into the spotlight; responding to a question about being a Bihari representing Japan, he used the phrase “Bihari kahan nahi hai bhai,” while also addressing the Indian team.
Abhishek Anand, a 28-year-old IIT Kanpur graduate from Bihar's Rohtas district, represents Japan in cricket—a path few could have predicted. RVCJ reports that after settling in Japan for work, Anand joined the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club and earned his place in Japan's national team. Since his debut against the Cook Islands on May 9, 2025, he has made 18 T20I appearances, scoring 275 runs with a highest score of 55.
Anand qualified to represent Japan by meeting the country's three-year residency requirement. His story gained wider attention ahead of Japan's scheduled one-off T20I against India, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the nations. Times of India notes that Anand's catchphrase—"Bihari kahan nahi hain bhai"—resonated on social media as he addressed his unlikely journey from tennis-ball cricket in Bihar to international cricket in Japan.
The Decision to Leave India for Japan
When Accenture offered Anand a job placement in Japan in 2022, he faced a difficult choice with only two hours to decide. Times of India reports that Anand hesitated—leaving India meant abandoning his cricket dreams. He researched Japanese cricket and learned Japan had qualified for an East Asia-Pacific World Cup qualifier, which tipped the scales. That single decision changed his trajectory entirely.
Before moving to Tokyo, Anand was already deeply invested in cricket. While earning his Chemistry degree at IIT Kanpur, he captained the institute's cricket team. The Indian Eye explains that despite moving abroad for work, Anand never abandoned his passion for the sport, setting the stage for his transition into Japan's cricket system.
From Tokyo Falcons to Japan's National Team
Joining the Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club proved to be the turning point for Anand's international career. RVCJ reports that his performances impressed selectors and earned him a spot in Japan's national setup. On May 9, 2025, he made his Japan debut against the Cook Islands, marking the official beginning of his international journey representing a new nation.
His record stands at 18 T20I appearances with 275 runs and one wicket. These numbers may seem modest, but they represent Anand's achievement in breaking into international cricket outside India. The path from a tennis-ball cricketer in Bihar to a Japan national player reflects years of persistence and adaptability in a foreign cricket environment.
A Bihari Cricket Star on the World Stage
Anand's rise caught public attention when a social-media video went viral. Responding to a question about being Bihari while representing Japan, he declared "Bihari kahan nahi hain bhai"—a phrase that struck a chord with viewers. Times of India notes the video addressed both his Indian roots and his commitment to Japan's cricket, making his story resonate across borders.
While reports suggested Anand might face India in the scheduled T20I, Japan's announced squad did not include him. Still, his story remains remarkable: a Chemistry student who captained his college team, took an IT job in Tokyo, and transformed into an international cricketer. The Indian Eye highlights how Anand never expected his passion to carry him from Bihar's streets to Japan's cricket fields.
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