S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Madras PTF is collaborating with GITAA, an IIT Madras-incubated company, to offer a cricket analytics course titled ‘Howzzat – Cricstats? Exploring the world of cricket analytics’ for aspiring sports data analysts and sports enthusiasts.
The objectives behind the launch of the course by IIT Madras PTF are to help participants explore the field of sports data analytics through real world case studies, introduce industry experts who can share their views on how analytics has influenced sports and to enable students understand the fundamentals of data science from top academicians.
Online
The course by IIT Madras PTF which is also known as IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies is offered online and has a duration of eight weeks. Those interested can enroll through the following link here
Data analytics
Sharing his thoughts on data analytics as a game changer, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Sports analytics is a valuable tool that helps sports organisations, coaches, players, and fans gain a deeper understanding of the game and optimize performance.
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As the sports industry continues to embrace data-driven decision-making, the demand for professionals with expertise in sports analytics is expected to rise.
Pursuing a course in Sports Analytics can be a rewarding and promising pathway for those passionate about sports, said IIT Madras director.
GITAA and IIT Madras PTF
Founded by experienced academicians from IIT Madras, GITAA imparts training in Data Sciences, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
IIT Madras PTF is a Section 8 Company housing the Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators and Control Systems. It is funded by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and hosted by IIT Madras.
Analytics
Elaborating on the need for such courses by IIT Madras PTF, Ms. Hemalatha D Dayalan, an Indian cricketer, right-handed batter, and right-arm off-break bowler, said, “As a cricketer, analytics helps as you get to learn from your past performances and it helps to grow as a player in future.
Analytics will help to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Coaches and the players can know in which area the person has to grow, she said speaking about the course by IIT Madras PTF.
When I want to know more about my batting or bowling, I did like to watch the video replays of my performance and see the analytical observations, she said.
Sports analytics is very important for the beginners and the cricketers .For any kind of sport, it is very helpful, she said.
Data driven decision
The increasing use of data-driven decision-making in sports has created a demand for professionals who can analyze and interpret data to provide valuable insights, say sources from IIT Madras PTF.
This introductory course offers a deep dive into the world of sports data analytics with an emphasis on cricket.
The course is designed to provide the student a solid understanding of the fundamentals of data science along with practical examples from the field of cricket, say sources from IIT Madras PTF.
IIT Madras PTF will facilitate the course and GITAA will be the knowledge partner.
Cricket
Elaborating on this course, Prof. Raghunathan Rengasamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras, and a Co-Founder of GITAA, said, “Analytics plays an important role in every facet of cricket ranging from scouting to fan engagement to off-field player management.
There is not an aspect of the game that data science has not touched, he said.
Design
The course by IIT Madras PTF is designed by leading academicians in the data science field from IIT Madras and aims to provide aspiring sports data analysts and students with the skills required to analyze large amounts of data related to various aspects of the sport to gain insights, make informed decisions, and improve team and player performance.
Unique aspects
Highlighting the unique aspects of this initiative, Dr. Babji Srinivasan, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, said, ‘Cricket analytics, I believe, is a crucial necessity to not only improve players performance but also raise the overall standard of the game and enhance the experience of every fan.’
Teaching
Dr. M.J. Shankar Raman, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Madras PTF, said, “Cricket is a great way to teach analytics and statistics as the game strategies have transformed thanks to the use of prevailing technologies.
Player performance evaluation, team strategy optimization, injury prevention, and fan engagement are driven by statistics and analytics. This course will benefit technology and sports enthusiasts, said CEO of IIT Madras PTF.