Christchurch, Oct 7 (PTI) Former wicketkeeper batter BJ Watling will replace Luke Ronchi as New Zealand’s batting coach at the end of the Test series against India, the country’s cricket board said on Wednesday.
Watling, however, will join the NZ squad on November 16 after the ODI series against India.
The Kiwis will face India in a two-match Test series from November 19, and Ronchi’s stint will come to an end on December 1, the scheduled final day of the second Test.
Watling will assume the role full-time thereon ahead of the away four-Test series against Australia.
Since his international retirement in 2021, Watling has coached New Zealand domestic teams Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts Men, the latter having won the Super Smash in 2025-26 and the Plunket Shield in 2024-25, both under his reign.
“I’m incredibly excited. To come back into the team and work with this current group is a special opportunity and one I don’t take lightly,” said Watling.
The 41-year-old has played 75 Tests, scoring 3790 runs at an average of 37.52 with eight centuries and 19 fifties.
India tour of New Zealand begins with a five-match T20I series on October 22, followed by five ODIs and two Tests. PTI UNG ATK
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