Sonic, an audio-based edge-detection system developed in New Zealand, will make its international debut during India's tour of New Zealand. It will assist third umpires within the existing DRS across five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, adding sound-frequency evidence to close bat-and-ball reviews.
How Sonic Edge-Detection Technology Works
Sonic analyses sound frequencies to identify possible contact between bat and ball during a DRS review. It is most relevant in close decisions where the ball travels towards the wicketkeeper or the slip cordon.
The system will be integrated into the DRS setup provided by Virtual Eye, which has held ICC accreditation for ball-tracking since 2008. It supplies supplementary audio information that the third umpire weighs alongside the available visual evidence.
Role Within the Decision Review System
Sonic is designed to support the existing process rather than replace umpire judgement. Its development focused on the accuracy and consistency standards required in international cricket.
The technology has been tested, validated and independently assessed in consultation with the ICC, with support from the BCCI. Ben Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Virtual Eye, described the approval as a significant moment for the company.
Sonic Deployment Snapshot| Attribute | Detail |
|---|
| Technology type | Audio-based edge detection |
| Developer origin | New Zealand |
| DRS provider | Virtual Eye (ICC-accredited for ball-tracking since 2008) |
| Approval scope | India's tour of New Zealand only |
| Wider use | Subject to further ICC assessment and approval |
Tour Format and Workload
India's tour covers 12 international matches across three formats. T20Is and ODIs account for 10 of those fixtures, so Sonic will be used mostly in limited-overs reviews.
India Tour of New Zealand: Match Schedule by Format| Format | Matches | Share of Tour |
|---|
| T20Is | 5 | 41.7% |
| ODIs | 5 | 41.7% |
| Tests | 2 | 16.7% |
| Total | 12 | 100% |
Historical Context: The November 2022 Tour
India's previous tour of New Zealand took place in November 2022, when rain disrupted several matches. New Zealand won the ODI series 1-0, while India won the T20I series by the same margin.
The teams also met in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year in Ahmedabad. India secured their third title with a 96-run victory.
Head-to-Head Series Results, November 2022 Tour| Series | Result | Winner |
|---|
| T20I | 1-0 | India |
| ODI | 1-0 | New Zealand |
Recent Form: India and New Zealand
Since the World Cup triumph, India suffered heavy defeats on tours of Ireland and England under captain Shreyas Iyer. They then recovered to win series against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Japan, and secured gold at the Asian Games.
New Zealand have played only eight matches since the final. They lost a five-match series against South Africa 3-2 and drew a rain-affected three-match series against Bangladesh 1-1.
New Zealand Results Since the T20 World Cup Final| Opponent | Matches | Result |
|---|
| South Africa | 5 | Lost 3-2 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | Drawn 1-1 (rain-affected) |
| Total | 8 | Series: 1 loss, 1 draw |
Limited Match Volume for New Zealand
Eight matches in the period gives New Zealand a smaller recent sample than India. That may influence how quickly they settle into the multi-format schedule.
Squad Updates and Key Absences
India will be without Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested, and Hardik Pandya, who remains sidelined with recurring injury problems. Varun Chakaravarthy returns after a hamstring injury and a subsequent side strain.
Axar Patel and Naman Dhir add spin options, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube provide seam-bowling support. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, returns to India's T20I side for the first time since 2022.
New Zealand Injury Changes
New Zealand have Devon Conway alongside the opening pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Rachin Ravindra is out after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot.
Key Squad Changes| Team | Player | Status |
|---|
| India | Jasprit Bumrah | Rested |
| India | Hardik Pandya | Out, recurring injury |
| India | Varun Chakaravarthy | Returns after hamstring and side strain |
| India | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Returns, first T20I selection since 2022 |
| New Zealand | Rachin Ravindra | Out, dislocated right shoulder |
| New Zealand | Mark Chapman | Out, hamstring |
| New Zealand | Zak Foulkes | Out, hip-flexor |
| New Zealand | Josh Clarkson, Blair Tickner | Called up as replacements |
| New Zealand | James Neesham | Left out |
What Sonic Means for Review Accuracy
Across 12 matches, the series offers a sizeable sample for assessing how audio evidence affects close caught-behind reviews. The ICC's approval is limited to this tour, so the results will likely inform any wider adoption.
Review outcomes, overturn rates and the time taken per review will be the key metrics to track. These will show whether Sonic improves consistency in line with the standards Virtual Eye has targeted.