CRICKET & DATA, AN UNDENIABLE PARTNERSHIP

With T20 leagues played all through the year, technology and analytics have become the go-to tool for teams to outdo their opponents

- ASHOK VENUGOPAL

DATA analytics and the use of technology has become a nondeniable part of cricket and the way teams operate in recent years. While analysts are constantly coming up with new variables and factors to influence the phase of play, T20 is one format where teams international and franchises have aced the art of using various analytic tools to outsmart their opponents.

Chennai Super Kings bowling consultant and former South African cricketer Eric Simons is no different. He believes that technology can be used as a tool to coach players. One can often see Simons interacting with the players on the finer aspects of bowling, be it the run-up, loading or the release. "I think technology can be a lot more useful, there is a lot more I think we would like to develop and understand," said Simons. "My focus is a lot on the execution of the plan and measuring back from practice into matches, etc," added the former South African cricketer who has also been using a radar system to measure the speed of the ball delivered.