A new edge-detection technology, ‘Sonic’, will make its international cricket debut during India’s upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand. The audio-based system will assist third umpires in reviewing close bat-and-ball decisions during the five-match T20I series, five ODIs, and two Tests.

The technology has undergone testing, validation, and independent assessment in consultation with the ICC, with support from the BCCI. Developed in New Zealand, Sonic will operate within the existing Decision Review System (DRS), providing additional audio evidence for officials.

Sonic Edge-Detection Technology in India-New Zealand series

Sonic is an audio-based technology designed to help third umpires determine whether the ball has made contact with the bat during a DRS review. It analyses sound frequencies to identify possible bat-ball contact, particularly in close decisions where the ball travels towards the wicketkeeper or 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. During a review, it will provide supplementary audio information for the third umpire to assess alongside the available visual evidence.

Sonic is designed to support the existing decision-making process rather than replace the umpire’s judgement. Its introduction follows a period of development and refinement aimed at meeting the accuracy and consistency standards required in international cricket.

“Our team has worked tirelessly developing and refining this technology, with a strong focus on accuracy, consistency and meeting the standards expected at the highest level of international sport," Ben Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Virtual Eye, said in a statement.

“To see New Zealand-developed technology approved for use in a major international cricket series is a significant moment for Virtual Eye and another example of Kiwi innovation succeeding on the world stage."

The ICC’s approval applies only to the upcoming India series in New Zealand. Any use in other international fixtures will depend on further assessment and approval by the governing body.

India and New Zealand Prepare for a Busy Multi-Format Tour

India are in New Zealand for a demanding assignment featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. 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 claimed the T20I series by the same margin. The teams also met in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year in Ahmedabad, where India secured their third title with a 96-run victory.

Since that triumph, India have suffered heavy defeats during tours of Ireland and England under captain Shreyas Iyer, before recovering to win series against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Japan and secure gold at the Asian Games.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have played only eight matches since the World Cup final. The Black Caps lost a five-match series against South Africa 3-2 before drawing a rain-affected three-match series against Bangladesh 1-1.

Squad Updates and Key Absences Ahead of the Series

India will be without fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who remains sidelined with recurring injury problems.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy returns after missing several assignments due to a hamstring injury and a subsequent side strain. Axar Patel and Naman Dhir will offer further spin options, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube providing seam-bowling support.

Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also back in the international setup after impressing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in recent IPL seasons. The 36-year-old returns to India’s T20I side for the first time since 2022, following an injury concern involving Arshdeep Singh during the West Indies series.

New Zealand have the experienced Devon Conway alongside the explosive opening pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. However, Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot.

Injuries have also sidelined Mark Chapman, who has a hamstring problem, and Zak Foulkes, who is dealing with a hip-flexor injury. All-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been called up as replacements, while James Neesham has been left out.