![The New Zealand Cricket Team [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784265000355_NewZealandCricketteam.jpg?type=hq)
The New Zealand Cricket Team [Source: AP]
New Zealand cricket team is set to receive a massive blow right after the home series against India. Their batting coach, Luke Ronchi, will step down from his role in December. The mentor will be leaving his role after the India series, which is scheduled to be played between October and November.
Ronchi will be leaving his role after serving as a coach to the Black Caps for almost six years since 2020. After he succeeded Peter Fulton, Ronchi guided the side to several historic wins before he stepped down for his new role in Australia.
Luke Ronchi quits as New Zealand coach to join BBL franchise
Luke is set to exit his position in New Zealand after signing the contract with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League to join as the head coach for the BBL 16 season.
The development came amid New Zealand's ODI series against the West Indies, where the BlackCaps are currently leading 2-1. Ronchi’s exit after the India Test series will leave the Mitchell Santner-led team mentor-less ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Luke Ronchi’s success with New Zealand during his tenure
During Luke Ronchi's time, New Zealand won the ICC World Test Championship in 2021, reached the finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2021 and 2026, and finished as runners-up in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He also guided New Zealand to a historic 3-0 Test series win in India, ODI series victories in India in 2024 and 2026, and a recent Test series triumph in England.
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Moreover, Ronchi’s contribution to the BlackCaps has been massive, and the team has also acknowledged the hard work.
"He's such a valued member of this group, certainly when he was playing but also after he transitioned into the coaching space too, so it's disappointing to be losing a guy like Ronchs. He's someone who understands the environment and culture of this group and is a huge driver of that,” Tom Latham, the Test captain, shared.
"I think you could talk to most guys, and they'd agree everyone's game has gone from strength to strength under his guidance and he's always been someone who's worked incredibly hard for the team and that effort shows out in the middle. We'll miss him, but we obviously wish him all the best for what's got coming up,” Latham added.
Ronchi shares farewell message for the Black Caps
Working with the team, Luke Ronchi was emotional as he announced his exit from the national team. The former Australia and New Zealand international expressed how lucky he has been to serve the setup.
"Coming back to the national set up has been a dream come true for me and I'm immensely grateful to my fellow coaches and the players for the opportunity to work alongside them for all these years.
"It has always been my goal to try and help this team and the batters perform at the highest level, and reflecting back, there have been some pretty memorable moments that I'm proud to have been part of. I'll be watching very closely and wish everyone all the very best with what's to come in the future," Ronchi stated.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Cricket Board is set to announce the replacement of Luke Ronchi in due course, most likely ahead of the India series.
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