Anil Kumble has predicted greater use of technology when it comes to decision-making in cricket going forward. Kumble added that players involved will not be able to disregard “data intelligence”, recognising its value to their game and progress.
“There is the influence of DRS (Decision Review System) already in cricket and I am sure there will be more technological influence on decision making as we go along,”
“Also the fact about players’ acceptance of being a part of this innovation, otherwise you will be left behind,”
added Kumble, who had a major influence behind India’s acceptance of the DRS technology during his tenure as head coach back in 2016-17.
Kumble said he understands the ideological battle that has been prevalent for years in the game. A section believes in accepting the use of technology while the other likes sticking to the traditional principles.
But the legend, who is still India’s highest Test wicket-taker with 619 scalps, believes the way forward is in embracing the technological advancements and making their use for the betterment of the game worldwide.
“I think, if you don’t sort of adapt to technology that’s coming in and used the technology for the good of the game, I think people will be left behind,”
he said.
Kumble anticipates the broadcasters and the cricket boards to start looking at “innovative ways” of using a constantly upgraded form of technology. This influence of data and technological advancements, he expects, will be the highest in the shorter formats of the game where teams can close the distance between them and the opposition, and a match can change in a matter of a few overs.
