During the day, 32-year-old Sabaorish Ravichandran is a mild-mannered member of the Customer Service Product Management team at Mitsubishi Fuso’s Kawasaki, Japan headquarters. However, off the clock his passion, dedication, and talents shift to his love of the game…cricket, that is.

Ravichandran’s story highlights the strong connection between his corporate career and his love for cricket, a sport he is helping to nurture in Japan.

FROM INDIA TO JAPAN  Born and raised in Chennai, India, a city steeped in cricket culture, Ravichandran was surrounded by the sport from a young age. “I started playing cricket when I was nine,” he recalls. “My family has always been passionate about the game—my uncles, cousins, and father were all involved. My idol growing up was Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, and I always dreamed of becoming a leg-spinner.”

His passion led him to represent his district and even play for his state’s youth cricket. However, Ravichandran’s journey took a significant turn when he moved to Japan in 2015 to pursue a career at FUSO. “When I first moved here, I didn’t even bring my cricket gear,” he says. “I didn’t think cricket was something people played here.”

Much to his surprise, he discovered a small but growing cricket community. While not as widespread as in India, he found cricket grounds, clubs, and a passionate group of players. Despite logistical challenges, such as long travel distances to matches, Ravichandran dove back into the game, marking the beginning of his involvement with Japan’s cricket scene.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES  As an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Japan requires players to complete a three-year residency before they can represent the country. Ravichandran didn’t qualify until 2018, but even after meeting the eligibility requirement, it wasn’t smooth sailing. His first chance to represent Japan came in 2021, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team couldn’t play that year. Still, Ravichandran remained determined and excelled in domestic leagues.

In October 2022, he made his international debut for Japan. “My father flew in to watch me play for Japan,” he shares. “That moment was special! My family has been a huge part of my journey, so having them there to see me fulfill this dream was amazing.”

Today, Ravichandran remains the captain of the Tigers Cricket Club and plays an active role in the national cricket team. In 2024 he was honored with the “Men’s Player of the Year” award by the Japan Cricket Association. This recognition marks the sixth win in the past nine years (2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024).

BALANCING ACT  While cricket is still not a full-time career option in Japan, Ravichandran manages to balance his job at FUSO with his passion for the sport. “FUSO is my day job, and cricket is my weekend passion,” he explains. “It takes a lot of planning and effort, but I’m motivated by my love for the game. We often travel 120km for a match, and it can take up the entire day. But it keeps me fit and gives me something to look forward to.”

Ravichandran credits his supportive colleagues and managers for helping him strike this balance. “My previous manager in R&D was very understanding. He knew how important cricket was to me and gave me flexibility,” he says. “My current manager in Customer Service is equally supportive.”

LEADING ON AND OFF THE PITCH  Ravichandran’s leadership skills, honed on the cricket pitch, translate seamlessly into his day job. “Cricket is all about teamwork,” he says. “You can’t win unless all 11 players work together, and that’s the same in the workplace. As a captain, I’m responsible for motivating the team, setting expectations, and making sure everyone understands their role.”

He sees many parallels between leading a team and managing projects. “In both cricket and work, clear communication and setting expectations are crucial. These principles have helped me as a leader, whether I’m on the field or in the office,” Ravichandran explains.

LOOKING AHEAD  Ravichandran has big plans for both his career at FUSO and his cricketing aspirations. “I want to continue growing in my role and take on new responsibilities. I’m also working on improving my Japanese so that I can take advantage of opportunities that lie ahead.”

Ravichandran and the Japanese team recently won for the T20 World Cup qualifiers in South Korea. “Our goal is to make it to the World Cup, but even if we don’t, we want to beat higher-ranked teams and improve our standing,” he says. “The future of cricket in Japan is bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

GIVING BACK  Beyond his personal achievements, Ravichandran is dedicated to giving back to the community. He coaches young players and encourages them to focus on fitness, respect for the game, and work on their fundamentals. 

“Cricket here is growing, and it’s an exciting time for young players,” he says. “We’ve improved our world ranking from 60 to 45 in just a few years, and I believe it won’t be long before we move up further.”

He advises aspiring cricketers in Japan to stay patient, respect the process, and focus on doing things right. “Don’t worry about the results,” he says, quoting his cricket idol, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. “Focus on the process, and the results will follow.”

Ravichandran’s journey is a reminder of the value of passion, perseverance, and leadership. Whether he’s on the pitch or in the office, Ravichandran exemplifies the spirit of dedication and commitment. He continues to inspire those around him and is a true ambassador for both FUSO and Japanese cricket.

JOIN US  Ravichandran’s story is one of many that encapsulates the essence of working at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. With vibrant teamwork, support, and opportunities to innovate, FUSO invites aspiring engineers, designers, and business men and women to explore opportunities across all departments and provide opportunities to undertake exciting and challenging projects. 

Are you ready to embark on your own FUSO journey? Discover the opportunities waiting for you at MFTBC and take the first step toward your future! ■