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New Delhi: Microsoft CEO and cricket enthusiast Satya Nadella gave a live demo during an event in Hyderabad that left cricket fans stunned. Nadella using GitHub Copilot and Azure AI Foundry developed an AI-based app on stage that analyzes player performance data and leadership metrics to select a dream IPL team. But the biggest surprise came when the AI tool ranked Virat Kohli over Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain. Nadellas Live Coding Show: AI Picks Kohli as Captain During the event Nadella asked the AI to select the best IPL XI based on the 2025 auction data. The tool prioritized factors like batting strike rate consistency and impact—and the result came in Kohlis favor. Addressing the crowd Nadella jokingly remarked The data doesnt lie—Kohli is ahead this time. Combining AI and Cricket: Nadellas Big Vision Satya Nadella stated that the future belongs to sports analytics and AI will play a major role in this—whether its predicting match outcomes team combinations or talent scouting. Microsoft aims to make technology more useful for Indias vast sports industry. Kohli vs. Dhoni: Do statistics really put Kohli ahead? Virat Kohlis strengths include: Average of over 40 in the IPL Excellent strike rate while chasing targets Consistency and reliable performance at the top of the order Mahendra Singh Dhonis strengths include: Over 60% win percentage as captain Classic finishing style Unparalleled ability to handle match pressure AIs verdict: Kohlis data showed a stronger fit for the modern demands of T20. The Growing Role of AI in Indias Sports Ecosystem Nadella concluded Cricket is my first love and AI makes it smarter. His app could be used in the future in many areas including fan analytics team planning and talent discovery. Story Highlights Satya Nadella developed an AI-based cricket app through live coding. AI chose Kohli over Dhoni as the captain of its dream IPL team. Based on data Kohli gained an edge in strike rate and consistency. Nadella said AI will completely transform sports analytics in the coming years.