The debate over India’s absence of HotSpot technology in cricket recently resurfaced after Rishabh Pant's controversial dismissal in a Test match against New Zealand. During the game, the third umpire overturned an on-field “Not Out” call, ruling Pant out caught bat-pad based on the Decision Review System (DRS). The absence of conclusive evidence during the review process led many to question if HotSpot technology might have aided in reaching a more definitive decision.
The Role of HotSpot in Cricket
HotSpot, a thermal imaging technology, detects friction-generated heat signatures to determine if a ball has struck the bat, pad, or other parts of a player. By showing a “hot spot” at the point of contact, the technology helps umpires accurately assess edges and ball impacts. Two thermal cameras, set up behind the bowler at either end of the pitch, capture heat signals when the ball meets the bat or body, helping to clarify close calls.
Origins of HotSpot Technology
HotSpot was initially developed by French scientist Nicholas Bion for military use, particularly for locating tanks, aircraft, and other vehicles in low-visibility conditions such as darkness or thick smoke. Over time, HotSpot made its way into cricket, introduced during the 2006-07 Ashes series by Australia’s Channel Nine to enhance the viewer experience. It was soon adopted in countries like South Africa, England, and the UAE to aid decision-making in DRS.
The Pant Controversy and Need for HotSpot
During the New Zealand match, a Snickometer spike detected sound near the bat as the ball passed Pant. However, some believed the spike was caused by the bat hitting the pad rather than the ball making contact with the bat. As Pant argued with the on-field umpire, he pointed to his pad, suggesting there was no bat involvement. Without HotSpot, the third umpire had to rely solely on Snickometer and visual evidence, ultimately ruling Pant out, which led to India’s narrow 25-run defeat.
Why India Doesn’t Use HotSpot
Several factors contribute to India’s decision not to use HotSpot technology:
High Operational Costs: Using HotSpot costs around $10,000 per day. Broadcasters in India, along with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), consider this too costly, especially given that other technologies like Snickometer can detect edges at a lower cost.
Limited Availability: Only a few HotSpot kits exist globally, making it difficult to implement the technology across all matches consistently. Broadcasters would need significant resources to ensure HotSpot is available in all venues.
Accuracy Concerns: Although HotSpot provides clear thermal signatures, it is not foolproof. The tool’s accuracy can be affected by external coatings on bats, such as protective wax or other substances, which might interfere with heat detection. This issue has led to notable controversies in the past, including the famous 2011 incident where England’s Michael Vaughan suggested Vaseline on VVS Laxman’s bat could have “saved” him from an edge detection.
Availability of Alternatives: The Snickometer, which uses sound waves to detect edges, is already part of the DRS in India. Broadcasters argue that Snickometer, combined with visual footage, often provides sufficient information to reach fair decisions, reducing the need for HotSpot.
Military Origins: Former cricketer Anil Kumble recently pointed out that HotSpot, originally a military tool, may face regulatory or availability issues in India because of its origins in defense technology. However, cost remains the primary deterrent for broadcasters and cricket boards worldwide.
Is HotSpot Used Globally?
HotSpot is not universally adopted in international cricket, with even established cricket broadcasters such as Sky Sports and SuperSport ceasing its use due to high costs and occasional inaccuracies. The limited number of kits, coupled with the significant expenses involved in deploying them, means that only a few countries continue to use HotSpot regularly, primarily when broadcasters can justify the cost.
The Future of Technology in Cricket
As technology advances, cricket boards worldwide, including the BCCI, continue exploring solutions that are accurate, affordable, and available across all venues. While HotSpot offers valuable insights for umpires in close-call situations, the challenges of cost and consistency in India make it unlikely to become a staple of the DRS there anytime soon.
