Just like every other field, artificial intelligence is also finding its place in professional sports. But can it actually help a cricket franchise discover its next star? In the case of Rajasthan Royals (RR), it worked. But definitely not in a way that one might expect instantly. In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, Rajasthan Royals COO Alok Chitre, Head of Technology and AI Innovation Karan Choksi and OpenAI's Head of Marketing, India, Sheeladitya Mohanty discussed how AI and ChatGPT are being used across the franchise. One of the most interesting revelations was about Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenage batting sensation who literally emerged as one of the most talked-about young players associated with the Royals and walked away with the most awards at the end of IPL 2026.Chitre confirmed that technology was a part of the process that helped RR discover Suryavanshi, but stressed that AI was not the only way to identify the youngster and prompt the franchise to sign him. Instead, AI works alongside the Royals' scouting network, cricket data and human expertise for better results.About The AuthorAarohy Kapoor is a dynamic content producer and editor, known for creating high-impact, consumer-first content across diverse categories including technology, home decor, health & fitness, food, pet care, sports and everyday lifestyle essentials. With a strong editorial experience and an understanding of modern consumer behaviour, she specialises in product reviews, comparison articles, buying guides and deal-led content that simplify decision-making for readers.