AI in Global Cricket: The New 12th Man?

Cricket has never stood still. From wooden bats to white-ball formats, the game has constantly evolved. But today, there’s a quieter, more subtle revolution happening—one that fans don’t always see. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now playing a growing role in how the game is played, coached, and even understood.


And no, this isn't some futuristic fantasy. It’s already influencing how teams are picked, how players train, and how injuries are prevented—across the globe, not just in India.


AI in Team Selection: More Than Just Gut Feeling


Back in 2023, during the Ashes series, England’s Women’s Cricket Team did something groundbreaking. Their coach, Jon Lewis, teamed up with a tech company called PSi to run more than 250,000 simulated match scenarios. They crunched the data—pitch conditions, weather patterns, player matchups—and used it to decide the playing XI.

The result? A smarter, more data-informed strategy that gave them a real edge against the reigning champions.
This isn’t a one-off experiment. It’s part of a bigger shift happening worldwide—where decisions that were once based on instinct are now backed by deep analysis.

Smarter Coaching with Personalized Feedback


Let’s be honest—cricket training has come a long way from “just watch the ball.” Tools like Ludimos, based in the Netherlands, are changing the way coaching works. Players simply upload videos of their practice sessions, and the AI does the rest. It identifies flaws in technique—whether it's your footwork, bowling stride, or follow-through—and gives feedback that’s specific and actionable.

One young bowler in South Africa improved his run-up and delivery within just a few weeks by using Ludimos. And he didn’t need a big coaching setup—just a smartphone and internet access.
For countries with limited resources, this kind of tech could be a game-changer.

Catching Injuries Before They Happen


Injuries are part of the game, but what if you could spot them before they happen? That’s exactly what AI is starting to do. Startups like Tweek Labs are developing smart wearables that monitor things like joint movement, fatigue levels, and heart rate in real-time.

So, if a fast bowler is showing early signs of physical stress, the system flags it—even before the player feels anything. Some teams in Australia and the UK have already started using this tech during their training camps.
In a sport with packed schedules and high injury risks, this kind of early intervention could make a massive difference.

Supporting Mental Fitness with AI


Physical fitness is important, but cricket is also a mental game. That’s where platforms like GoCricit come in. They analyze things like sleep patterns, stress levels, and even mood, helping coaches design personalized mental wellness routines.

One franchise team in a domestic league used GoCricit to track a top batter’s performance metrics. Before a crucial match, the data showed irregular sleep and high stress. A small adjustment to his pre-game routine was all it took—he went on to play a match-winning knock.
This kind of support helps bring structure to an area that’s often overlooked in sports: mental readiness.

Final Thoughts


AI isn’t replacing cricket’s human side—it’s enhancing it. It’s becoming the quiet support system that helps teams prepare smarter, train better, and stay healthier. At the highest levels, it’s no longer just about raw talent. It’s about informed preparation, backed by intelligent systems.

So here's a question worth asking:
Should we start thinking of AI not just as a tool, but as a true part of the team in modern cricket?
 
Cricket has always adapted with time, but the role of Artificial Intelligence is now shaping the game in ways that go beyond what fans see on the field. In team selection, AI has started replacing guesswork with solid data. A clear example of this was seen in 2023 when the England Women’s Cricket Team used over 250,000 simulations to finalize their playing XI for the Ashes. Instead of relying purely on instincts or past performances, AI considered pitch conditions, player matchups, and weather forecasts. This method delivered smarter strategies, setting a precedent for future teams looking for a competitive edge.


In coaching, AI is now making personalized feedback accessible to cricketers regardless of geography or funding. Platforms like Ludimos have made it possible for players to get detailed insights into their technique just by uploading practice videos. Footwork, bowling mechanics, and follow-through can be analyzed remotely with precision. This is especially important for emerging players from regions where access to top-tier coaching is limited. With only a smartphone and internet connection, athletes are now able to fix errors that previously went unnoticed.


Injury prevention is another area where AI is proving invaluable. Wearable tech developed by startups such as Tweek Labs monitors joint movement, fatigue, and heart rate in real-time. If a bowler is nearing physical burnout, the system raises alerts even before the player reports discomfort. Teams in Australia and the UK have already begun integrating this technology into their training routines. With tight playing schedules and high physical demands, catching injuries early is key to protecting a player's long-term career.


AI’s impact on mental wellness is equally significant. Platforms like GoCricit assess sleep, stress, and emotional patterns to help coaches better understand a player's mental state. One instance involved a franchise batter whose performance dropped due to irregular sleep and increased stress. Minor changes to his routine led to a match-winning performance. Mental fitness, often an overlooked element, is now receiving structured attention through data-backed insights.


Artificial Intelligence in cricket is not replacing human talent or intuition—it is working alongside it. It is becoming an invisible teammate that informs decisions, guides preparation, and supports well-being. In elite-level cricket, where margins of victory are razor-thin, these tools are proving to be crucial. The question is not whether AI should be used in cricket, but how well it can be integrated to strike the right balance between logic and instinct, analysis and artistry.​
 
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