Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may be out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, but they’ve garnered attention by actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to enhance player performance, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).

The Faf Du Plessis-led team used AI technology from the prestigious institute to evaluate a large number of net bowlers through extensive data analysis.

IIT Madras experts are not only focusing on cricket but are also mentoring sports tech startups in various disciplines such as chess, boxing, badminton, tennis, and wrestling.

Sports Industry to get AI boost

“Our plan is to support around 30 sports tech startups every year. Over five years, we will groom nearly 200 such sports tech startups with the support of IIT Madras in the domain areas of computer vision, data analytics, AI, ML, and biomechanics,” said Ramesh Kumar, chief executive officer of CESSA and former Global Head of ESPNcricinfo.

ESPNcricinfo has introduced the ‘Player Impact Score’ based on a Sports Analytics Algorithm developed by IIT Madras. Fantasy league companies are in discussions with the institute to develop similar products.

The algorithm created by the IIT Madras Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA) has identified Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Sunil Narine as the most impactful player across all IPL editions.

Looking ahead, IIT Madras is focusing on four key areas: technology to enhance player performance, analytics, education, and supporting sports tech startups.

The ESPNcricinfo AI engine, developed by IIT Madras and Gyan Data, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, analyzes limited-overs cricket—T20s and ODIs—in a more detailed and sophisticated manner than traditional metrics.

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