Ramakrishnan Subramanian stands as a pioneering force in the realm of sports data analytics in India. As the Founder and CEO of SportsMechanics India Private Limited, he has revolutionized the use of data to elevate sports performance. His journey began with a bold move from a secure banking career to merge his love for sports and technology. This vision drove him to develop groundbreaking analytics and video analysis tools that transformed cricket coaching methodologies as early as 2000.
From 2003 to 2007, Ramakrishnan served as the Indian Cricket Team’s first-ever performance analyst, personally chosen by coach John Wright. His analysis of over 10,000 cricketers played a crucial role in elevating India’s standing in the global cricket arena. In 2006, he founded SportsMechanics, a trailblazing sports analytics firm that has since expanded its global presence across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the UK, and Europe.
Under his dynamic leadership, SportsMechanics has spearheaded the digital transformation of sports organizations worldwide, leveraging artificial intelligence and data to enhance talent development, boost fan engagement, and drive revenue growth. Ramakrishnan’s innovative approach has positioned him as a visionary in the sports analytics field, delivering unparalleled data-driven experiences to stakeholders throughout the ecosystem.
In an exclusive interview with The Interview World at the 6th AGM and Annual Session of the SPORTSCOM Industry Confederation, Ramakrishnan Subramanian discusses the evolving landscape of sports information sharing and analytics. He highlights the growth of the sports industry, particularly in analytics and smart information delivery. Furthermore, he shares insights into how these advancements will stimulate the sports economy. Additionally, he elaborates on how the SPORTSCOM Industry Confederation is actively promoting a diverse range of sports in India beyond cricket. Here are the key takeaways from his thought-provoking interview.
Q: What recent advancements are transforming the way sports information is shared and analyzed for fans and enthusiasts?
A: Personalization is the most critical factor for enhancing fan engagement. I firmly believe that sports websites should offer tailored experiences, where the content you see differs from what I see, based on our unique preferences and interests. This approach also ensures a more meaningful connection with the user. For instance, even when I’m not watching a game or am occupied with meetings, I want an application that actively pushes the information I care about directly to me.
Currently, fans are required to search for updates and news. Our vision is to transform this model by making information proactively reach out to the fan. By doing so, we shift from a passive to an active engagement strategy, ensuring fans stay informed and engaged without effort.
Q: How is the industry evolving with advancements in sports analytics and smart information delivery?
A: We are merely scratching the surface of what is possible. There is still so much potential to unlock, especially given the vast fan base. In entertainment, we already have a massive audience for movies—Bollywood, Hollywood, and beyond. However, sports are still in the early stages of building a similar following. Cricket is undoubtedly leading the way, and I believe other sports will soon follow suit. Over the next 5-10 years, I expect a surge in the development of various sporting properties. This growth will offer brands unparalleled opportunities to engage with their fans throughout the year, using sports as a dynamic and interactive medium. The future holds immense potential for deeper, more consistent brand-fan connections.
Q: How will these advancements drive growth in the sports economy?
A: The sports economy is expanding at a remarkable pace, growing 2.5 times faster than the overall GDP. As your economy accelerates and positions itself for significant growth, the sports sector is expected to experience a parallel surge. India is on the verge of a major opportunity, with the possibility of hosting the Olympics as early as 2036 or even sooner. This presents a pivotal moment for the industry.
To capitalize on this potential, we must embrace transformation. Just as India has led innovations in FinTech with QR codes and UPI, the sports industry must similarly adopt cutting-edge technologies. By doing so, we can enhance fan engagement and drive substantial growth within the sector, ensuring that the sports economy evolves in tandem with broader economic advancements.
Q: How is the SPORTSCOM Industry Confederation planning to promote sports other than cricket across the country?
A: Establishing an organization like the SPORTSCOM Industry Confederation is crucial for uniting all stakeholders on a single platform. Equally important is the role of the government in acting as an intermediary between the industry and public sector. SPORTSCOM is fulfilling this pivotal role effectively. While it would have been beneficial to establish such an organization earlier, its emergence now is commendable. It is already making significant strides in supporting sports bodies and athletes across the country. This timely development is proving invaluable for fostering collaboration and advancing the interests of the sporting community.
Q: What strategies will your organization implement to achieve this goal?
A: For nearly two decades, we have been pioneers in sports analytics. Initially, our focus was on performance metrics. Now, we have expanded into sports ERP systems that automate comprehensive sports operations, and fan engagement strategies. Our expertise now encompasses three critical areas: coaching, high-performance sports ERP, and fan engagement. We are dedicated to advancing these areas concurrently, recognizing their interconnected impact on the sports industry.
To facilitate this growth, we are developing an advanced technology platform. This platform will offer stakeholders and rights holders a robust tool for optimizing their digital assets and enhancing revenue opportunities. By integrating these solutions, we aim to provide a unified approach. This supports the evolving needs of the sports community and maximizes their potential.
