FPJ 97th Anniversary: Is AI The New Talent In Sports?

FPJ 97th Anniversary: Is AI The New Talent In Sports?

It is well known that some of the best athletes follow rigorous regimens to keep their bodies in top condition. AI is one of many technologies helping athletes stay healthy, avoid injury, and ensure career longevity.

Rushikesh BamneUpdated: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10:41 PM IST
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Bumrah’s wrist movement is monitored by his team, and he is advised to twist it more at a particular angle to cut through the defenses of a batsman — and he achieves that!

This current advertisement of a laptop shows how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken over the sports world. Whether you’re an athlete striving to push your limits, a coach seeking that competitive edge, or simply a fan who lives for the thrill of the game, AI is quietly reshaping the sports experience.

It is well known that some of the best athletes follow rigorous regimens to keep their bodies in top condition. AI is one of many technologies helping athletes stay healthy, avoid injury, and ensure career longevity.

When asked about how AI and technology are changing the way sports or tournaments function, Prasanna Sant, sports commentator and presenter, said, "Technology with probable prediction is leading to big changes in decision-making. The stakes in sports are so high now that one marginal decision can lead to an adverse effect on the final outcome of a game. The human perspective does add that spontaneous element to sport, but technology with AI brings in a calculated and data-based conclusion that will have a positive impact in the world of sports in days and years to come. The entire objective of introducing AI in sports is to reduce the margin of error and also be as accurate as possible in final calls."

Recently, str8bat, India’s leading sports tech innovator, launched a first-of-its-kind AI-powered smart sticker that turns any cricket bat into a performance analytics tool. Embedded with cutting-edge sensor technology and designed for elite-level precision, str8bat marks a major breakthrough in how batting data is captured, interpreted, and applied—without altering the bat’s feel or form. Cricket legends Greg Chappell and Kiran More are recommending this bat to youngsters.

"With this AI technology, young players across India can now access precision feedback that was once reserved for professionals. It’s a game-changer,” said former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More. “I’ve been using it at my academies for the last two years, even with international players, and the impact is visible. I’m not a tech-savvy guy, but when I first saw it in Baroda, it was an eye-opener for me. From tracking bat speed and timing to head position and balance, this technology helps players at every level, from juniors to pros, and it’s already being adopted by top boards like Cricket Australia. Cricket is evolving, and this is a big part of its future.”

The Rajasthan Royals team from the Indian Premier League (IPL) is already using the str8bat sticker in their academy. Women cricketers are also expected to adopt this technology in the future to help them adapt to different circumstances.

In the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), technology has immensely impacted the game over the last few years. It has reduced the risk of wrong decisions. Aarti Bari, International Kabaddi Referee, emphasized how this technology and various camera angles have helped the sport grow. "In PKL, we can now objectify even the rarest touch by a raider to a defender. While some technologies like Hot Spot are not yet implemented, others like video analysis and specialised staff are already making a significant impact. There are nine officials who work on court during a PKL match, whereas behind the camera, there is a huge team who make one match successful," she explained. “They utilise technology to enhance both the fan experience and the game itself. This includes advancements in broadcasting, player tracking, and even AI-powered facial recognition for spectators.”

PKL uses a system of 18 cameras and 14 hidden microphones to capture the action from various angles and provide in-depth coverage. However, sometimes the camera angle misses the exact touch. In such cases, the on-field decision mostly stays as it is.

Not just players, but AI is being used by all stakeholders of the game for various aspects of sports. It can help coaches with strategic decisions, player selection, and game-day adjustments. It is helping umpires and referees improve accuracy and fairness through video-assisted refereeing (VAR) systems. Immersive and personalised experiences are being created for fans through AI-powered technology.

In cricket, some feel that there are drawbacks when it comes to the use of technology — especially in cases like Umpire’s Call or the snickometer. Sometimes it appears confusing for the audience, even with camera angles when a player takes a catch just above the ground. Hotspot and Hawk-Eye methods are not fully trustworthy yet. Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar used to hate the Decision Referral System (DRS) at one point and had gone on record about it. There have been numerous occasions when technology has failed to give correct decisions, which can ultimately harm a particular team. Nevertheless, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has now made it compulsory to use DRS even in bilateral series.

As 2026 approaches and with the number of sporting events increasing worldwide, AI is expected to have an even greater impact. Let’s hope it continues to promote fairness in sports and attracts more fans.

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