Meet Sudarshan Gopaladesikan: Indian-origin performance analyst who went from working for Infosys to joining Premier League giant Newcastle United

Newcastle United have made an interesting backroom addition with Sudarshan Gopaladesikan joining as Technical Director (Support Services). The Indian-origin expert brings years of experience in elite sports performance. His role will focus on improving player fitness, recovery, and preparation, areas that have become crucial in modern football’s demanding calendar.


Sudarshan started his career with an Infosys internship before moving to the US for a PhD in biokinesiology and physical therapy at the University of Southern California. He specialised in human movement and injury prevention. His first big break came with Major League Baseball side Los Angeles Dodgers.


After his MLB stint, he joined the English Institute of Sport, working with Olympic athletes. That paved his path into football, first with Manchester City’s City Football Group as Lead Data Scientist, focusing on player performance and injury analytics. Later, he became Head of Sports Science and Data at Chelsea.


Sudarshan Gopaladesikan, now 36, is Newcastle’s latest recruit in their push to strengthen off-pitch operations. Club CEO Darren Eales praised him as an “innovative, forward-thinking leader” with a proven track record across multiple sports. His appointment also adds rare Indian representation in Premier League technical teams.


Gopaladesikan expressed excitement at joining a club with “a unique connection between the team, city, and fans.” He won’t be involved in transfers but will be key in ensuring players stay fit and ready to compete at the highest level.

Newcastle’s long-term vision just got a significant boost with his expertise.