Shubman Gill’s mysterious ‘Temple’ device: What is it and why is he wearing it?

Shubman Gill grabbed attention during India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after he was spotted wearing a Temple fitness-tracking device on his forehead in Auckland. The device has sparked curiosity among cricket fans because it is designed to track signals linked to the brain and monitor the body’s responses during physical and mental activity.

India have already taken a 3-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, with the focus now shifting towards the upcoming ODI series. The five-match series is scheduled to begin on November 4. India’s ODI and Test captain, Shubman Gill, has started preparing for the next assignment after joining the Indian squad for a training session in Auckland.

During the training session, Gill was spotted wearing and testing a fitness-tracking device called Temple. Developed by Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal, the device is worn on the forehead, just above the eyes. Its focus on monitoring the body’s responses to physical and mental workload has attracted attention, raising questions about how it works and why the Indian captain is using it. 

Throughout this article, we will share complete details about Shubman Gill’s mysterious ‘Temple’ device, what it is and why he is wearing it.

What exactly is the ‘Temple’ device Gill was spotted wearing before the IND vs NZ ODIs?

Shubman Gill grabbed attention during India's preparations for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after he was spotted wearing an unreleased AI-powered fitness-tracking device during a practice session in Auckland. The device, called Temple, has sparked curiosity among cricket fans because of its focus on monitoring the body's responses during physical activity.

Gill joined the Indian squad alongside other players preparing for the longer formats, including KL Rahul, as the team began its preparations for the ODI series. The Indian captain also held discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir before heading into the nets to practise ahead of the upcoming matches.

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Although Gill has not publicly explained why he is using the device, its appearance on prominent Indian athletes has attracted attention. The technology has raised questions about how it works and whether it could help players monitor their physical and mental performance during training and matches.

How does it work, and why are top cricketers wearing it?

Temple is a wearable device developed by a team associated with Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal. It is designed to monitor blood flow to the brain and collect neurological and physiological data. Unlike smartwatches and fitness bands that mainly track heart rate, movement and sleep, Temple aims to provide insights into cognitive workload and the body's response to physical and mental stress.

The device uses optical sensors and a technology called BrainFlow to track changes in cerebral blood flow. It also aims to monitor signals linked to oxygen levels and cognitive load. Its Entropy score is designed to indicate physiological strain, which can be affected by exercise, sleep and stress. However, the device is intended for wellness and research purposes, not medical diagnosis, and its benefits for athletic performance are yet to be established.

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Indian athletes are also exploring the potential uses of this technology. Badminton star PV Sindhu first drew attention when she was spotted wearing Temple during the Thomas and Uber Cup in April and later at the BWF World Championships. For elite athletes, monitoring workload and recovery is an important part of preparation. Temple could provide additional information about mental and physical strain, but it remains unclear how players use its data to improve their performance.

Is it allowed in international cricket? What the rules say

The use of wearable technology in international cricket depends on the rules set by the International Cricket Council (ICC). While players can use approved fitness-tracking devices during training, the rules may differ during official matches. Any device worn by a player must comply with the relevant regulations, especially if it collects data or has communication features.

The ICC has strict anti-corruption rules to prevent unauthorised communication between players and outside parties during international matches. Under its Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, players cannot carry or use communication devices in restricted areas, including dressing rooms, unless an exception has been approved.

However, it is not yet clear whether the Temple device is permitted during official international matches. Its use would depend on its features and whether it complies with the ICC's rules. Gill being spotted wearing the device during a training session does not automatically mean he can wear it during a match. The ICC's official playing conditions and anti-corruption regulations provide the relevant framework for such decisions.