Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Watling to Replace Ronchi as New Zealand Batting Coach
New Zealand has chosen former player BJ Watling to become its batting coach.
He will take over from Luke Ronchi after the Test series against India.
Watling is expected to join the squad on November 16, after the one-day matches against India.
Ronchi’s stint is scheduled to finish on December 1, the planned last day of the second Test.
Watling will then take on the coaching job full-time.
His next major preparation will be for New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia.
Since retiring as an international player in 2021, he has coached two New Zealand domestic teams.
Watling said he was excited to work with the current team.
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will replace Luke Ronchi as the team’s batting coach.
Watling is scheduled to join the squad on November 16, after the ODI series against India.
Ronchi’s stint is set to end on December 1, the scheduled final day of the second Test against India.
Watling will take on the role full-time ahead of New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2021, Watling has coached Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts Men.
- Who
- Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will succeed batting coach Luke Ronchi.
- What
- Watling is set to take over as New Zealand’s batting coach after the Test series against India.
- When
- Watling is scheduled to join the squad on November 16; Ronchi’s stint is due to end on December 1. The article is dated October 7.
- Where
- The appointment is with New Zealand’s national cricket team; the article identifies Christchurch as the dateline.
- Why
- New Zealand Cricket has appointed Watling to the batting coach role; the article does not state a reason for the change.
- Incoming batting coach
- BJ Watling
- Outgoing batting coach
- Luke Ronchi
- Squad joining date
- November 16, after the ODI series against India
- Ronchi’s scheduled final day
- December 1, the planned final day of the second Test
- Upcoming assignment
- An away four-Test series against Australia
- Watling’s Test record
- 75 Tests, 3,790 runs, average 37.52, eight centuries and 19 fifties
- Domestic coaching
- Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts Men