CricViz caught up with Sankar Rajgopal following his recent appointment as Head of Analytics Services
Q – Welcome to CricViz, Sankar. Can you tell us about your career to date and your experience working in data science in sports?
Thank you for the warm welcome! I have over 14 years of experience in the sports analytics space, during which I’ve had the privilege of working with several franchise teams and leading broadcasters. My career began as a back-end analyst with organizations like the BCCI, CSK, MI, and others. From there, I transitioned into a role as an analytics producer at Star Sports, where I played a key role in introducing analytics as a storytelling tool in sports broadcasts. One of the highlights of my time there was the launch of the Select Dugout, a bespoke analytics match feed for the IPL and other major tournaments.
I later joined the Punjab Kings as a Research & Development Consultant under Anil Kumble. In this role, I was responsible for data-driven scouting, player recruitment, auction strategy, and in-season performance analysis. Before joining CricViz, I was with JioCinema, where I served as Head of Cricket Content across English and Tamil, as well as overseeing the broadcast analytics vertical.
Q – Given your career experience, where can CricViz make a difference in the game?
The team at CricViz collaborates with some of the world’s leading broadcasters and professional cricket teams, creating an unparalleled knowledge repository that drives innovation in the sport. Thanks to our world-class analysts, supported by a cutting-edge data science and product team, we can deliver unique, actionable insights that captivate broadcasters and delight fans and provide invaluable support to coaches and players. Moving forward, our mission is to build on this legacy of excellence – enhancing and customizing our solutions to meet the evolving needs of both media partners and teams.
Q – Outside of your career, what is your connection to sport?
I’m a classic ‘90s kid who grew up glued to cricket, largely inspired by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. I played enough to realise I might not be good enough to make it professionally, but my love for watching the game on TV never waned. My mother, however, would often switch off the TV and remind me, “Sachin Tendulkar isn’t going to write your exams or pay your salary.”
Years later, I landed my first job in sports analytics at a company funded by Sachin himself. I like to joke with my mother now, saying that, in a way, Sachin paid my salary back then! Looking back, those countless hours spent watching the game helped me develop the ability to spot patterns, a skill I still rely on today.
Q – How do you see the role of Analytics Services in cricket evolving in the next 12-18 months?
Cricket analytics is still in its early stages compared to sports like baseball, basketball, and, to an extent, football, where specific metrics and models are part of everyday conversation. This creates a unique opportunity for us to push the boundaries of data-driven analysis with teams and broadcasters. Over the years, we’ve seen a growing buy-in from both sides.
While data is more accessible than ever, the real challenge – and the key to differentiation – lies in how we generate meaningful, actionable insights. One area with significant untapped potential is using fielding data. Off-the-ball actions, such as field placements and changes in the field, can provide deeper layers of insight when mapped to the data, enhancing the narratives we tell.
I believe the success of analytics services will be closely tied to product innovation and the effective use of data science. Additionally, we must recognise that different broadcasters and professional teams will have their own unique challenges. To stay ahead, we need to be nimble and adaptable, providing customised solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs.
For more information about CricViz’s analytics services or to contact the team, click here.