Shubman Gill attracted attention during India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand by wearing a Temple fitness-tracking device on his forehead. The device was spotted while he was training in Auckland, where he joined the Indian squad ahead of the series. This choice of wearable has piqued interest due to its unique focus on brain signals rather than traditional fitness metrics.

The Temple device is designed to monitor cerebral blood flow and other physiological signals related to brain function. Gill’s use of this device is notable, especially as badminton star PV Sindhu has also been seen wearing Temple in recent events, including the BWF World Championships held in August.

While Gill has not publicly commented on the reasons for using the device, its presence on two prominent Indian athletes has highlighted the emerging technology’s potential applications in elite sports. The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a busy schedule, and the inclusion of such innovative wearables could be part of their strategy to enhance performance.

Understanding the Temple Device

The Temple device was developed by a team associated with Deepinder Goyal, the co-founder of Zomato. It is positioned on the side of the forehead and aims to provide insights into cognitive workload and the body’s response to stress. Unlike conventional fitness trackers that primarily monitor heart rate and movement, Temple focuses on brain-related signals.

This wearable employs optical sensors through a technology known as BrainFlow, which tracks changes in cerebral blood flow. It also measures signals related to oxygenation and cognitive load, offering an Entropy score that indicates physiological strain influenced by factors such as exercise and stress. However, it is important to note that the device is intended for wellness and research purposes, not for medical diagnosis.

PV Sindhu’s use of the Temple device has been noted since she first wore it during the Thomas and Uber Cup in April. Her continued use at the BWF World Championships suggests ongoing testing as developers explore its potential applications. For elite athletes, monitoring workload and recovery is crucial, and a device that tracks cognitive strain could provide valuable insights, although the practical implications for training remain to be fully understood.

Preparations for the ODI Series Against New Zealand

The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is set to commence on November 4 at Eden Park. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to the squad, alongside wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and pacer Gurnoor Brar. Gill has been actively preparing for this series, having scored 754 runs during India’s five-Test series in England earlier this year.

Prior to heading into the nets, Gill was observed discussing strategies with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. His preparations also include funding four to five net bowlers to enhance his training regimen. Following the ODI series, Gill will shift his focus to a two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning on November 19, which will require careful preparation across different formats and conditions.

As the captain, Gill’s leadership will be crucial for the team as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming tour. The integration of innovative technology like the Temple device may play a role in optimising performance and managing the demands of competitive cricket.

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