Five Data lessons from IPL 2019

Five Data lessons from IPL 2019

My passion for data and cricket meant it was only natural for me to analyse certain KPIs of 2019 and determine if there was a pattern or insight i could draw. the KPIs i took into consideration were

1) # of players with more than 400 runs
2) Highest batting strike rates
3) Best bowling economy rates
4) Best bowling strike rates
5) Teams with most catches
6) Teams with highest batting partnerships
7) # of players with at least 10 wickets are more

Here are my five key data lessons:

1) The best indicators to determine if a team can reach the last four in IPL are those teams whose distribution of players across these 7 dimensions are more uniform. For ex. RCB had most players with highest strike rates but fared badly in certain other dimensions. MI had the most consistent performance across these 7 KPIs which meant they qualified at the top of the final four.

2) Teams with the most number of highest batting partnerships do not necessarily qualify for the top four. For ex, MI did not have one single partnership of more than 100 in the tournament while the teams that fell to the bottom 4 had some of the highest batting partnerships

3) Better performance on bowling KPIs is definitely a better indicator of getting a final four rating compared to better batting KPIs. For ex. CSK had relatively poor batting KPIs and higher bowling KPIs, while RCB, KXP had better batting KPIs but still couldn't make it to the top 4 due to poorer bowling KPIs.

4) Teams with a higher catching conversion percentage and more importantly holding on to more catches on an absolute basis seem to have greater chances of hitting the top 4. CSK and Delhi Capitals are great testimonials to that indicator.

5) Bowling strike rates (Balls/ wicket) seem to have the most direct co-relation in being able to predict chances of hitting the top 4. The teams with the  highest number of bowlers with better strike rates have a much greater chance of qualifying for the top 4, compared to teams which have better strike rates amongst batsmen. RCB is a good example where it had 3 batsmen (Kohli, Moeen, ABD) with much better strike rates but couldnt make it to the top 4.

The world cup this year is played in a similar format as  the IPL and hence these lessons are worth taking a closer look as that will give us a good idea of who will make it to the top 4. I will keep you posted on my predictions for the world cup over the next one week.

.....Venky......

My heartfelt letter to Virat Kohli!!

My letter to Virat and what I am learning from him!!

Virat, I am 16 years elder to you, but I feel there is a lot I can learn about leadership from you. I have been observing your leadership closely last several months and I am deeply inspired. Here are some reasons why!!

• Leadership has not affected your personal contributions as a batsman, which is so pleasing to see of a leader. It adds significant value to the team and more importantly gives you and the nation confidence. The lesson for me is to make the clear distinction between being a leader and an individual contributor and not lose sight of either.

• You carry your heart in your sleeve. You do not hesitate to show emotions when needed, but you also do not show unnecessary emotions. This makes you very authentic. The lesson for me is the need to be authentic in how we lead teams and people and not be someone else. 

• You do not hesitate to make changes even when you are winning. You have played with 19 different playing eleven as Captain. That shows you are willing to take risks, make change where you believe it is needed. The lesson for me is to not believe in status quo   and make changes even when the going is good.

• The example you set as a leader and player is gold standard and that propels and motivates players in your team. Whether it be your fitness, your fielding or your batting, you set very high standards. While star players have sometimes not been great leaders, your personal passion and inspiring acts are making your fellow team members up their game. We can see it in the way each of the 11 players are performing last several months and that is because they want to emulate the leader. The lesson for me is to continue to up my game and continue to elevate my own personal standards to enhance my individual and team leadership results

• Though I don’t know how you communicate with your team members, it is very clear from your interviews and press bytes, you are very assertive and do not mince words. You showed an example of that while mentioning your amusement for people clapping when England won the toss. You are not looking for political correctness, but at the same time you are not brash or loose in your words. That is a big lessons to me.

Clearly the Indian team is reaping the benefits of a great leader in you and you are reaping the benefits of a very committed and passionate team. I am sure there will be a few defeats in your career, but those will only make you a better and stronger leader. Continue to inspire us!!