‘AI Will Take Away the Surprise Element in Cricket’: Mithali Raj

Speaking at the Trailblazing Women Summit hosted by Salesforce, former India captain Mithali Raj said AI is steadily removing the element of surprise from cricket, as data-driven insights reshape how the game is played and analysed.

In a fireside chat with Salesforce President and CEO Arundhati Bhattacharya, Raj reflected on how AI has transformed traditional player analysis into a highly granular, data-rich process. “Teams today can break down performance across specific match situations, ranging from pitch conditions to bowler-batter matchups, making the game far more predictable than before,” she said.

“There’s so much data now, and it goes into great detail,” Raj said. “But it all comes down to what you choose to pick from it.”

Raj noted that this abundance of information has fundamentally changed the viewing and playing experience. “It has definitely removed the surprise element in the sport because everything is out there,” she shared, adding that even casual fans can now interpret cricket through a more analytical lens.

Raj also highlighted how AI is reshaping sports broadcasting. Predictive analytics, she explained, now informs on-air commentary, allowing broadcasters to back their instincts with probability-based insights.

“There are moments when you feel a wicket might fall, but now data tells you there’s a high probability in that situation,” she said. “That helps us build narratives when we’re live.”

Beyond cricket, Raj pointed to AI’s potential to democratise access to training, particularly for young athletes in rural India. With limited access to coaching and infrastructure, many aspiring cricketers can benefit from AI-powered tools, tutorials, and performance feedback.

“In many districts, children travel long distances just to access nets,” she said. “If AI can help them train and improve with limited resources, that’s a big opportunity.”

However, she cautioned that technology cannot replace the human side of sport. “AI doesn’t have the emotional connect,” Raj said. “In tough times, athletes need people who can support and motivate them.”