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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

 

[dhanush248]

AI in Global Cricket: The New 12th Man?​

Cricket, often referred to as a game of glorious uncertainties, is evolving rapidly—not just on the field but also in the backrooms where data meets strategy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword reserved for Silicon Valley or futuristic tech labs. It is steadily becoming the "new 12th man" in global cricket. But is AI a silent partner aiding teams, or is it on its way to becoming a game-changer that redefines how cricket is played, analyzed, and consumed?

AI’s Growing Influence in Cricket​

From grassroots coaching academies to international stadiums, AI-powered tools are transforming cricket in multiple dimensions:

1.​

AI algorithms crunch millions of data points—from a batter’s foot movement to a bowler’s wrist position—to offer hyper-personalized insights. Companies like Hawk-Eye, CricViz, and StanceBeam use AI-powered motion sensors and computer vision to dissect every delivery and shot.

• Example: AI can predict a batsman’s likelihood of being dismissed by a particular bowler based on previous patterns. Teams use this insight to tweak lineups or assign specialist bowlers.

2.​

AI models analyze biomechanical data to detect early signs of fatigue, injury risks, or incorrect postures. Wearable sensors feed real-time data to physiotherapists and coaches.

• Example: Fast bowlers prone to stress fractures can be monitored for workload management, reducing long-term injuries.

3.​

AI tools assist in decision-making before and during matches. Algorithms process weather conditions, pitch reports, opponent weaknesses, and even crowd behavior to recommend batting orders, bowling changes, or field placements.

• Is it fair? While purists argue this takes the ‘gut feeling’ out of captaincy, proponents see it as data-driven leadership evolution.

4.​

AI is also the silent engine behind enhanced viewer experiences. Automated highlight reels, ball tracking, predictive win percentages, and virtual commentary are AI-driven. AI chatbots answer fan queries, simulate matches, and even predict outcomes for fantasy leagues.

• Example: During IPL or Big Bash, broadcasters show "Win Predictor" percentages that update ball by ball—powered entirely by machine learning models.

5.​

AI systems analyze thousands of hours of domestic and school-level matches to identify young talent. This democratizes scouting beyond traditional cricketing powerhouses.

The Controversial Side: Is AI Making Cricket Less Human?​

• Data Dependency: Are captains becoming overly reliant on AI dashboards instead of trusting intuition?
• Privacy Concerns: Tracking player biometrics raises ethical questions. Who owns this data—the player, the board, or the tech company?
• Unequal Access: Wealthier cricket boards can afford AI-driven tools, potentially widening the gap between developed and developing cricket nations.

Future of AI in Cricket: Assist or Replace?​

AI will never replace the raw passion, unpredictability, and human error that make cricket beloved. But its role as an assistant—a 12th man—is undeniable. The next frontier might be AI-powered umpiring beyond ball tracking: automated no-ball checks, stump mic voice analysis for caught behinds, or even AI adjudicating DRS decisions with zero human bias.


Imagine an AI suggesting that a batter should reverse-sweep more against a particular spinner based on micro-level pitch data collected in real time. Sounds far-fetched? It’s already happening in the labs of cricket’s top teams.

Conclusion: Embrace or Resist?​

The debate isn't whether AI belongs in cricket—it already does. The question is how the cricketing world will balance tradition with technology. AI as the 12th man isn't a threat but a tool. Yet, like the best utility player, it must know when to step in—and when to step aside.