Why India Doesn’t Utilize HotSpot Technology in Cricket: Exploring the Reasons

Rishabh Pant's dismissal in the 3rd match of the recently concluded Test series between India and New Zealand invoked a lot of controversy. On the third day of the game, Pant was batting on 64 runs when the ball went past him to the fielder. The controversy arose when the on-field umpire declared it not out, but the Kiwis went for a DRS. As per the third umpire, there was a clear spike on the bat, as shown in the snickometer, and deflection was seen as the ball traveled alongside the bat. 

Going against the on-field umpires, the decision was reversed, and Pant was declared out. While the left-handed batter tried to clarify it with the on-field umpires, no good came out of the conversation. Hence, the player had to depart to the pavilion, leading to India's loss in the game. After this dismissal, commentators discussed the HotSpot technology on Air, and Anil Kumble mentioned that it's a military-formed technology and, hence, it isn't used in India. 

What is HotSpot technology?

HotSpot technology was specifically developed by the French scientist Nicholas Bion to help the military forces who work during the night. It is a thermal imaging technology that has the power to detect tanks and jets in dark conditions. Military forces all around the world use this technology to remain safe from attacks from opponents or to site any unwanted activity around them. 

When was HotSpot used in Cricket?

During the Ashes series in 2006, Channel Nine in Australia introduced the technology to the world of cricket. Channel Nine was already popular for bringing in fancy technologies for the benefit of the game. So, people started using the HotSpot technique as well. Its work was to spot the spike on the bat or pad of the batter when the ball touched it and went to the fielder.

Sometimes, judging through a snickometer becomes difficult since it's not very accurate. To keep these issues away from the game, this technique was introduced. Moreover, it was used in countries like Australia, South Africa, England, and the UAE. 

How was the HotSpot technology used?

HotSpot technology was used quite sensibly as two thermal cameras were installed on either end, right behind the bowler. Now, the heat signatures were generated when the ball came in contact with the bat and the pad of the batter. Post that, a negative image containing the area of the spike will be visible on the screen.

This was specifically used to determine a spike on the bat or pad during controversial decisions. However, the accuracy of the technology couldn't be judged in the earlier days. Due to its authenticity, ICC hasn't included this method in any events to date. 

Why doesn't India use the HotSpot technology?

The controversy regarding the HotSpot was seen in 2011 when India went on a tour to England, and VVS Laxman was accused of using vaseline on his bat to stop the HotSpot from showing a spike on the bat. Several former cricketers went against this decision and mocked the batter, but nothing was proved. Since then, the usage has been reduced.