Cricket is more than just a game. It's a way of life - Ravichandran Ashwin
TRUE!
Cricket is indeed more than just a game for Indians.
To say that Indians are passionate about cricket is an understatement.
The sport connects more people in India than any other, with play occurring in almost every corner of the country, whether rural or urban.
India is the world's second largest cricket market, with over 900 million fans.
The fervour for cricket courses through the veins of the nation, finding a grand stage at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, where historic matches unfold against the backdrop of an electric atmosphere.
How did BCCI Finalize the Team India for World Cup 2023?
Indian Cricket Team for World Cup 2023 - Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav
The ability to decode cricketing statistics is essential for every game because
Cricket is a game of numbers. Before a team can get finalized, lot of analysis takes place on
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Number of runs a batsman scored
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Number of wickets a bowler took
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Number of games a cricket team won
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The frequency with which a batsman reacts in a particular way to a particular bowling attack
- The physical form of the batsman or bowler
For example, if a match is being played on a pitch that is expected to spin a lot, the selection committee may choose to pick more spinners in the team.
Many cricket game records and statistics are available, e.g., ESPN cricinfo and cricsheet. Several such cricket databases are used for cricket analysis.
Armed with this information, the cricket coach designs different game strategies and training sessions for the team.
Also Read > Power of Data Science in Sports - Case Studies
Indian Cricket - Big Entertainment Business
Like I said before, Cricket is more than just a game for Indians. It is like an emotion.
Hence, the way cricket fans are entertained and managed during the matches has also into a big business.
Fantasy Cricket
Fantasy cricket is a game where fans create their own teams of real-life cricket players and compete against other fans.
Data analytics is being used to power fantasy cricket games, providing fans with information about players' performances, trends, and match predictions. Example: Dream11 Cricket App
This helps fans to make more informed decisions about their teams and to have a more enjoyable fantasy cricket experience.
Social Media
Fans can see real-time match updates, highlights, and analysis on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
The ICC's social media accounts provide fans with real-time match updates, highlights, and analysis. The ICC also uses data analytics to target specific ads to cricket fans on social media.
Data analytics is also used to target specific ads to cricket fans on social media. This is helping fans to stay informed about the sport and to engage with it in a more meaningful way.
Broadcasting
Commentators use powerful data analysis tools to provide deeper and accurate insights into players' performances, match trends, and the impact of weather conditions. The best example is Star Sports.
Data analytics is also used to create graphics and animations that help fans to better understand the game. This helps fans to have a more enjoyable and informative viewing experience.
Career in Cricket Analysis
The national average salary for a Cricket analyst is ₹10,46,386 in India. Source
The advent of leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) has propelled the demand for cricket analysts. The number of teams has increased, like Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Banglore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, etc.
Teams are increasingly turning to data-driven strategies to gain a competitive edge. The successful application of 'Sabermetrics' by the Kolkata Knight Riders is a prime example of how data analytics can directly impact a team's performance and success.
With this surge in demand, the remuneration for cricket analysts has also witnessed a significant uptick. Salaries in this field are now among the most competitive in the sports industry, reflecting the high value placed on expertise in data analytics.
This is a fantastic opportunity for those who love and understand cricket. These young people can now start careers at the intersection of data analysis and cricket.
However, one needs to have in-depth knowledge of data analysis, for which joining a professional course is important.
Final Thoughts
As a cricket fan, I know that India vs Pakistan is one of the most anticipated matches of the year.
It's a match that is full of passion, excitement, and drama.
But what many people don't realize is that data analytics is also playing a huge role in this match.
It's not just about the game itself but also about how the business side of cricket works. People who are really good at understanding and using this data are becoming increasingly important in the world of cricket.
In a way, it's like we've uncovered a whole new layer of the game. And as technology keeps advancing, this data stuff will only get more important.
So, cricket and data analytics? They're a perfect match!
Interested in building a career in data science and analytics? OdinSchool's Data Science Course can help you build a career in this high-growth field. Talk to one of our career counsellors to get started!
