IPL 2025 : Mo Bobat Highlights The Role Of Data And Technology In RCB’s Cricketing Approach

IPL 2025 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, recently shared insights on the growing influence of data and technology in cricket during an episode of the RCB Podcast.

Speaking about the franchise's innovative strategies, Bobat highlighted how Bengaluru's reputation as a tech and academic hub serves as an advantage in shaping their cricketing operations.

"We're very fortunate that Bangalore is an academic and tech superpower, so it's great to have that on our doorstep. We all know that data is becoming central to sport, especially cricket, which is already data-rich," Bobat said, emphasizing the pivotal role data plays in modern-day cricket.

Bobat elaborated on how the franchise uses data to support decision-making rather than simply focusing on numbers. "What we're trying to do with data is not just focus on numbers but on decision-making. If we can make data-informed decisions, that's really useful. A phrase I often use is 'data on tap, not data on top.' Data should drive what we do, but intuition is still important. When we generate questions, we should have data to help inform our judgments and decisions, and that's the way cricket is evolving," he explained.

The discussion also delved into the role of technology in scouting. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI) are now integral to identifying standout players based on specific attributes. "Technology plays a huge role, particularly in scouting. Scouting is just one way we identify players, and we have a great team doing that. But there are other ways too, like artificial intelligence, which can help us spot attributes that might otherwise go unnoticed-things like raw pace in fast bowlers or revolutions on the ball for spinners. When we find players who are above average in those areas, we have to pay attention," the DOC noted.

Beyond data and technology, Bobat underscored the importance of understanding a player's character to ensure they can handle the rigors of the IPL. "Just as important is understanding the person. To survive and thrive in international cricket, and certainly in the IPL, players need to handle intense scrutiny, pressure, and consequences. It takes a certain type of individual-someone robust-to deal with that. So, it's not just about data and tech, and it's not just about subjectivity either. Finding the right balance is crucial," he said.

He also applauded RCB's efforts in internet scouting, which he believes will continue to be a valuable tool for the franchise. "I think it's exciting what RCB has done with internet scouting. It has helped us improve in the past, and I believe it will continue to help us moving forward," he concluded.

With a balanced approach that merges data-driven insights, advanced technology, and human intuition, RCB is setting a benchmark for innovation and adaptability in the IPL.