Remember the days when choosing who to bat first came down to a coin toss? Those days are gone! The ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 saw a new player on the field – data science! Teams used fancy data like numbers and charts to make winning decisions, just like players use skills like batting and bowling. Let’s see how data scored some big runs for these teams:

Before the World Cup:
- Picking the Perfect Team: Data scientists crunched numbers on players’ past performances, fitness levels, and how they played against different teams and on different pitches. This helped coaches pick the best players for each situation, just like choosing the right bat for the shot!
- Scouting the Enemy: Teams used data to analyze opposing teams’ strengths and weaknesses. They figured out who bowled the most sixes, who loved hitting off-spin, and who always took wickets in the first over. This was like studying your opponent’s batting stance before bowling!

During the World Cup:
- Making Quick Decisions: Data helped captains understand pitch conditions, weather forecasts, and how their team usually played in such situations. These insights were like extra runs on the scoreboard!
- Changing Tactics Mid-Match: Did you see a fielder suddenly move to a different position? That wasn’t just luck! Data showed where the ball was most likely to be hit, and fielders adjusted accordingly. It was like predicting the bowler’s next delivery!

Beyond the Matches:
- Keeping Fans Happy: Data helped broadcasters show fans the coolest replays, highlight amazing stats, and even predict the next boundary! This made watching the game even more exciting, like getting free snacks at the stadium!
- Taking Care of Players: Data wasn’t just about winning; it was also about keeping players healthy. Sensors tracked their movements, showing signs of fatigue or injury. This helped coaches avoid overplaying them, just like taking a break after hitting a six!
Real-life Examples:
- Team A’s data analysis showed their top batsman struggled against swing bowling. So, the captain sent in a different player early, and they scored quickly!
- Team B used data to predict rain during their match. They changed their batting strategy and won the game despite losing early wickets!
Challenges and Ethics:
Data is great, but it’s not magic. Sometimes, predictions are wrong, and players still have bad days. Also, using too much data can take the fun out of the game. It’s important to remember that cricket is still about skill, teamwork, and a bit of luck!
The Future:
Data science is just getting started in cricket. Imagine a future where players wear smart glasses that show them where to bowl or hit based on real-time data! But let’s not forget the magic of the unexpected, the roar of the crowd, and the joy of a perfectly timed shot. Data can be a valuable teammate, but it should never replace the love of the game!
So, the next time you watch cricket, remember, there’s more to the game than meets the eye. Data Science is quietly playing its part, helping teams score big runs and fans have even more fun!
Author: Mahesh Desireddy
Director of Operations & Learning Adviser at KSR Datavizon
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