India captain Shubman Gill attracted attention during the team’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after being spotted wearing a Temple fitness-tracking device on his forehead during a training session in Auckland.
The wearable has sparked interest because it aims to monitor physiological signals associated with brain function, rather than focusing exclusively on conventional fitness metrics. Badminton star PV Sindhu has also been spotted using the device, bringing further attention to the technology’s potential applications in elite sports.
Gill has not publicly explained why he is using the wearable or how its data may feature in his training routine.
What Is the Temple Fitness Wearable?
Temple is a wearable developed by a team associated with Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal. Positioned near the temple on the forehead, the device is designed to monitor cerebral blood flow and other physiological signals associated with brain activity.
Its BrainFlow technology uses optical sensors to track changes in cerebral blood flow. The device also aims to provide information related to oxygenation and cognitive workload.
Temple’s Entropy score is intended to indicate physiological strain that may be influenced by exercise, sleep and stress. Unlike conventional fitness bands, which primarily track metrics such as heart rate, movement and sleep, Temple focuses on signals associated with the body's response to physical and mental demands.
However, the wearable is intended for wellness and research rather than medical diagnosis. Its practical value in improving athletic performance remains to be established.
PV Sindhu Has Also Been Spotted Wearing Temple
Sindhu’s use of the device attracted attention after she was spotted wearing it during badminton events, including the BWF World Championships.
Elite athletes routinely monitor training intensity and recovery to manage demanding schedules. A wearable designed to track brain-related physiological signals could potentially offer additional information about cognitive strain and recovery.
However, it remains unclear how individual athletes are interpreting the device’s data or whether it has influenced their training decisions.
Gill Prepares for New Zealand Assignment
Gill was seen training in Auckland ahead of India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on November 4 at Eden Park.
Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are also set to return to India’s ODI side. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and pacer Gurnoor Brar have joined the squad as preparations continue.
Gill scored 754 runs during India’s five-Test series in England earlier this year. Following the ODI assignment, he will turn his attention to the two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning November 19.
The appearance of Temple during India’s training sessions has added another dimension to the growing interest in wearable technology, although its long-term role in professional cricket remains uncertain.
Relevant Link: Board of Control for Cricket in India
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