Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will take over as the Black Caps’ batting coach, succeeding Luke Ronchi after the upcoming Test series against India in December. Watling, who retired from international cricket in 2021, will join the national support staff on November 16 to begin a transition period.
BJ Watling Returns to the Black Caps as Batting Coach
New Zealand Cricket announced that BJ Watling will step into the national men’s team batting coach role following New Zealand’s Test series against India in December. The 41-year-old former international expressed eagerness to return to a familiar environment as part of the national support staff.
“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. What this side and the support staff have achieved together over recent years has been remarkable, so I’m looking forward to contributing to a world-class side.”
BJ Watling, incoming batting coach
Watling will report to camp on November 16 to complete a handover period with incumbent coach Luke Ronchi. Once the team departs for a four-Test series in Australia, Watling will formally assume full control of the batting group.
Luke Ronchi Departs After Six Years to Join Big Bash League
Ronchi’s departure follows a six-year tenure as New Zealand’s batting coach that began in 2020 when he succeeded Peter Fulton. New Zealand Cricket confirmed in July that Ronchi would step down after accepting an offer to become the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash League. Ronchi also coached Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year.
Before handing over his national duties, Ronchi will remain with the squad through the India Test series, which gets underway on October 22 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
Domestic Success and a Storied Playing Career Shape the Appointment
Watling brings substantial coaching credentials to the national setup. Under his leadership, Northern Districts captured the Plunket Shield title in 2024-25 and secured Super Smash glory in 2025-26.
As a player, Watling represented New Zealand in 108 international matches, including 75 Tests, alongside 28 ODIs and five T20Is. He finished his Test career with 3,790 runs at an average of 37.52, standing as the most prolific wicketkeeper-batter in New Zealand Test history. Notably, all eight of his Test centuries came in matches New Zealand won. His first-class resume includes 178 appearances for the Black Caps, Northern Districts, and Durham, yielding more than 10,000 runs, 18 centuries, 59 fifties, and 450 catches. He also shares the world-record sixth-wicket partnership of 365 runs, set alongside Kane Williamson against Sri Lanka in 2015, after previously holding the mark with a 352-run stand alongside Brendon McCullum against India in 2014.
Test Captain Tom Latham Endorses the Transition
Test captain Tom Latham welcomed his former teammate back into the national fold, noting that Watling’s character addresses a critical phase for a batting lineup where only one member of the preferred top six is under the age of 30.
“BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a Black Cap, so having someone like him come back into the group will be great for our environment. There was never any doubt about his effort and determination every time he stepped onto the field, and I’m sure that same attitude will translate in his coaching style.”
Tom Latham, Test captain
New Zealand Cricket Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson added that Watling maintains excellent relationships with many members of the current squad, calling his playing identity synonymous with the culture of the team.