Luke Ronchi to step down as New Zealand batting coach for Melbourne Renegades

AUCKLAND: Former New Zealand and Australia wicketkeeper batter Luke Ronchi is set to step down as the batting coach of the Blackcaps to pursue the head coach role at the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Melbourne Renegades.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Ronchi, who assumed the role in 2020 following Peter Fulton's departure, will conclude his tenure with the Blackcaps' multi-format home bilateral series against India, slated to run from October 22 to November 27, while the decision regarding his replacement will be made in due course.

"Blackcaps batting coach Luke Ronchi will step down from his role with NZC to become head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Big Bash League," said NZC in a statement.

"Ronchi will continue working with the BLACKCAPS group throughout the upcoming India tour of New Zealand and will join the Melbourne Renegades after the conclusion of that series.

"A decision on Ronchi’s replacement will be made in due course."

Ronchi, who played four Tests, 85 ODIs and 33 T20Is collectively for Australia and New Zealand during his glittering international career, expressed gratitude towards the Blackcaps for the opportunity to work with them as the coach.

He vowed to watch the New Zealand team "very closely" and wished them well for the future.

"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," Ronchi was quoted as saying.

"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."