Sonic Set for Cricket Debut: New Edge-Detection Tech to Be Used in India’s New Zealand Tour

A new voice is about to join the DRS conversation. Sonic, an audio-based edge-detection system, will make its international cricket debut during India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand. It will give third umpires extra evidence on the closest bat-and-ball calls across 12 matches.

What Is Sonic and How Does It Work?

Sonic is an audio-based technology built to help third umpires decide whether the ball has touched the bat during a DRS review. It analyses sound frequencies to flag possible bat-ball contact.

It is most useful on tight calls, especially when the ball is heading towards the wicketkeeper or the slip cordon. In those moments, the sound can add a vital layer to what the cameras show.

Built Into the Existing DRS Setup

Sonic will be integrated into the DRS system supplied by Virtual Eye, which has held ICC accreditation for ball-tracking since 2008. During a review, it will give the third umpire supplementary audio information to weigh alongside the visual evidence.

The technology is meant to support the umpire’s judgement, not replace it. It has been tested, validated and independently assessed in consultation with the ICC, with support from the BCCI.

Reaction From the Developers

Virtual Eye chief executive Ben Taylor said the team had worked hard to meet the standards expected at the highest level of the sport.

“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.”

He also described the approval as a proud moment for the company. “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,” Taylor added.

The ICC’s approval covers only this India series in New Zealand. Any use in other fixtures will need further assessment and approval from the governing body.

A Heavy Tour Awaits India and New Zealand

India face a demanding assignment in New Zealand, with five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests on the schedule. Their last tour there came in November 2022, when rain disrupted several matches.

Recent History Adds Spice

In 2022, New Zealand won the ODI series 1-0, while India took the T20I series by the same margin. The sides also met in this year’s T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India won their third title by 96 runs.

Since then, India have taken heavy defeats on tours of Ireland and England under captain Shreyas Iyer. They recovered to win series against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Japan and to claim gold at the Asian Games.

New Zealand have played only eight matches since that final. They lost a five-match series to South Africa 3-2 and drew a rain-affected three-match series against Bangladesh 1-1.

Squad Updates and Key Absences

India will be without Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested, and Hardik Pandya, who is still dealing with recurring injury problems. That opens the door for others to step up.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy returns after a hamstring injury and a side strain. Axar Patel and Naman Dhir add spin options, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube provide seam support.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Comeback

Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in the T20I side for the first time since 2022. The 36-year-old impressed for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in recent IPL seasons, and his return follows an injury concern over Arshdeep Singh during the West Indies series.

New Zealand’s Selection Headaches

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

Mark Chapman (hamstring) and Zak Foulkes (hip flexor) are also sidelined. Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner have been called up as replacements, while James Neesham has been left out.

Why Sonic Could Be a Talking Point

With 12 matches across three formats, Sonic will get plenty of chances to show what it can do. Edge decisions are some of the most debated moments in the game, and extra audio evidence could help settle them.

If it works well, the series could be the first step towards wider use. For now, all eyes are on how it performs when a tight call goes upstairs.