BCCI considering to use GPS to track the workload of players to avoid injuries

These days players have to play a lot of cricket, which can result in injuries due to excessive workload. If some reports are to believed, BCCI is considering using GPS to track the workload of the players in order to avoid injury risks. According to the Indian Express, the board would keep an eye on the workload of 50 players, and they will use GPS to serve the purpose.

GPS is not new in Indian sports

Australia is the only cricket team to use this technology in the past. While cricket team is yet to use the GPS, Indian hockey teams have successfully used GPS to track the workload of the players. The Indian football team has also tried to use it, but they have restricted the use of technology to training sessions only for now.

BCCI is planning to use these GPS chips even on the fringe players. According to reports, even former India ‘A’ players will wear this chip, while playing on the domestic circuit.  Indian team physio Patrick  Farhat and trainer Shankar Basu would be monitoring the progress of the players.

Busy cricket season coming up

Indian players will wear the GPS chips which would be attached to their kits. These chips will give live data about fitness during match and training sessions. India is set to play 13 Tests between July this year and January next year. The Indian team will tour England, before hosting Windies at home. Then they would leave for another tough tour to Australia. Along with 13 Tests, the men in blue will also play more than limited-overs matches.

With such a fixture congestion, it is necessary to take steps to avoid players from getting injured.  “The GPS will give live updates, and even if a bowler’s run-up speed reduces as compared to usual, it will send out immediate signals. So the captain can plan accordingly and understand when he should rest a bowler,” A source was quoted by the Express

The source further explained that team management can use the data gathered to take steps to avoid injuries. He further added that domestic players will be tracked as an opportunity can be knocking on the door for them.

“It basically keeps a track of the energy-levels of players all the time. We can always ask a player to skip a training session if he has been subjected to more workload during a match. This will be introduced for a few domestic players as well so that even their workload can be monitored. Because we can never know when their chance might come.”

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