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India’s Decision to Omit HotSpot Technology in Cricket

Why in the News?

During a recent Test match, Rishabh Pant’s dismissal raised questions over DRS accuracy, sparking debate on India’s exclusion of HotSpot technology. Experts highlight HotSpot’s cost, military origin, and accuracy concerns as contributing factors.

Background and Role of HotSpot Technology:

• HotSpot, developed by French scientist Nicholas Bion, uses thermal imaging to detect heat signatures, initially aiding military forces in detecting tanks and jets in obscured environments.
• In cricket, HotSpot was introduced by Channel Nine in Australia in 2006-07, assisting in identifying contact points on a batsman’s body or bat when hit by the ball.
• This technology is part of the Decision Review System (DRS) in Australia, South Africa, England, and the UAE to help with more accurate calls on edges and bat-pad contact.

How HotSpot Functions and Accuracy Concerns:

• HotSpot uses two thermal cameras positioned at either end of the pitch, capturing the heat generated when the ball contacts the bat, pad, or body.
• This infrared image reveals the precise point of contact, clarifying close calls such as faint edges.
• Although effective, HotSpot’s accuracy has been questioned, especially with potential interference from bat coatings, leading to controversies like Michael Vaughan’s 2011 Vaseline tweet about an edge by VVS Laxman.

Challenges to Adopting HotSpot in India:

• Former cricketer Anil Kumble noted that HotSpot’s military origin may be a factor in its absence in India, yet high operating costs ($10,000 per day) and limited availability are also key reasons.
• Only a few HotSpot kits exist globally, and other countries’ broadcasters, including Sky Sports and SuperSport, have opted out due to cost and limited accuracy.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn’t mandated HotSpot in DRS, which impacts its consistency and usage globally.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times