Ravichandran Ashwin Warns Cricketers Who Don’t Use AI and Analytics Might Not Have a Long Career 

At the recently held AWS AI Conclave 2025, Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket, in a fireside chat with iconic commentator Harsha Bhogle, said that cricketers who don’t use AI and data properly might not have a long career. 

“One of the major reasons will be how data is consumed and utilised by a lot of people,” he added, stressing that players who leverage AI and analytics will have a clear edge in the coming years.  

Bhogle also resonated with the same sentiment. “In earlier days, we measured batters by runs and minutes, not even balls. The concept of strike rate wasn’t even a thing. But today, we’re analysing everything—wagon wheels, beehives, swing percentages, and even predictive models,” he added. 

He further explained how AI tools can provide real-time insights, such as identifying the maximum swing generated by a bowler in the first half-hour of a session of a test match. 

Engineer-turned-cricketer Ashwin, known for his keen eye for detail, referred to such metrics as ‘scrap data.’ He explained, “I distinguish between scrap data and useful data. Things like wagon wheels are just visual markers. As a bowler, I need actionable insights—data that helps me make strategic decisions, like figuring out how to restrict a batter like Rishabh Pant, whose strike rate on the leg side is over 150 but who struggles on the offside.”

Navigating the Avalanche of Data

In modern cricket, players and coaches are bombarded with data, and not all of it is actionable. As Ashwin aptly put it, “The challenge is knowing which data to use and how to convey it to players. If you tell a batter they’re scoring most of their runs on the leg side and struggling on the offside, that information can either empower or overwhelm them, depending on how it’s delivered.”

Ashwin shared another example involving Australian cricketer Steve Smith, one of the most unconventional yet prolific batters in the world. “I spent days analysing Smith’s hand movements to figure out how he generates velocity. My wife was concerned I had a man crush on him! But it was about understanding his unique technique. Data alone couldn’t help me, I had to interpret it in a way that translated into an on-field strategy.”

Ashwin jokingly said that he would like to credit Cricket Australia, which uploads match highlights to their YouTube channel. He added that he watches videos to analyse how batsmen score runs. Bhogle quipped, “How many terabytes of RAM do you have inside your head?” to which Ashwin replied, “My mind is AI.”

Data in Decision-Making

Bhogle further discussed the delicate balance coaches must strike when sharing data with players. Ashwin agreed, emphasising the importance of context and timing. 

“As a coach or analyst, you need to know when and how to present data. The human element is crucial because not every player is equipped to handle raw data. It’s about understanding their insecurities and strengths.”

In line with this, ace cricketer Jonty Rhodes, the retired South African player and legendary fielder who currently coaches IPL teams, told AIM at Cypher 2023 that today, data analytics helps in making crucial decisions on the field. “When Virat Kohli comes up to bat, the opposition will employ a left-arm bowler. This is because statistics show that Virat gets out against left-arm spin more often than not,” he said.

AI and Predictive Models: The Future of Cricket?

The conversation also touched upon the potential of predictive models like Duckworth-Lewis, which Ashwin called “the only genuine predictive model in cricket so far.” 

Bhogle introduced another intriguing example of shot percentages. “If Jasprit Bumrah and another bowler are generating the same percentage of false shots, why is Bumrah taking more wickets? That’s where AI can help us uncover deeper insights.”

Ashwin acknowledged the value of such models but reiterated the importance of the human mind. “Cricket is played in the mind as much as on the field. If a player like MS Dhoni knows what you’re planning, he’ll adapt and outthink you. Data might guide you, but it’s your intuition that wins battles.”

As cricket embraces AI and data analytics, the challenge lies in striking a balance between technology and the human touch. Both Ashwin and Bhogle underscored the need for cricket to remain a player-centric sport, where data serves as an aid rather than a distraction.

“Ultimately, the game is about players and their ability to adapt, innovate, and perform under pressure,” Ashwin said. “Data is a tool, but it’s the human mind that turns it into a weapon.”