Javagal Srinath says Sachin Tendulkar's career was extended owing to technology

Sachin Tendulkar has had to deal with a bothersome tennis elbow throughout his career

Former India speedster Javagal Srinath on Monday said batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's career was extended due to the use of technology.

"Sachin Tendulkar had once said his career was extended due to the use of technology. It made him find a solution based on quick feedback which helped him correct his mistakes, mostly batting mistakes," Srinath said in a panel discussion during Microsoft’s first edition of its Machine Learning and Data Sciences Conference in Bengaluru.

Asked if the relevance of a proper coach would diminish in the event of too much use of technology in near future, Srinath said the coach’s job will never diminish but the abilities of a coach will be determined that how intelligently he uses the digital data.

"I have come to know about my mistakes by way of analysing digital data about my bowling, but, still the crux of the matter is how I will execute the solution physically, and that's where the role and significance of a coach lies.

"The coach's job will never shrink. How intelligently the coach will use the data will be the matter that needs to be seen," Srinath said.

Former Indian opener Akash Chopra was in favour of Srinath’s views and said the value of a coach will not wither away as computer data will empower the players but the ultimate execution has to be done by the players itself.

"Technology will be our slave, but continue to empower us more as we go along, however the technology does not promise wickets or runs, it is just a support system and nothing more than that, Srinath said.

Javagal Srinath was considered one of the fastest Indian bowlers during his peak and was the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack for a long period of time. Later on after retiring Srinath became an ICC match referee.

Srinath played 67 Tests for India from 1991 to 2003 and finished with 236 wickets. He was an impressive performer in ODI’s too claiming 315 wickets in 229 ODIs. Srinath played his last ODI for India against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final.

He made his debut as a match referee in the year 2006 in a Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa.