Luke Ronchi exits NZ batting coach role to lead Melbourne Renegades
Synopsis
Luke Ronchi's exit from the BlackCaps coaching staff closes one of New Zealand cricket's most decorated chapters — spanning a World Test Championship, two T20 World Cup finals, and a historic series win in India. He departs for the Melbourne Renegades with a legacy that Test captain Tom Latham says made 'everyone's game go from strength to strength.'
Key Takeaways
Luke Ronchi will leave his role as New Zealand batting coach to become head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL .
Ronchi has served as full-time batting coach since 2020 , succeeding Peter Fulton .
His tenure included the 2021 ICC World Test Championship title, two T20 World Cup finals, and a 3-0 Test series win in India in 2024 .
He will continue with the BlackCaps through the India tour of New Zealand in October before joining the Renegades.
Test captain Tom Latham credited Ronchi with helping every batter in the squad improve under his guidance.
NZC is yet to name a successor to the batting coach role.
Luke Ronchi will step down as New Zealand's batting coach to take charge as head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL), New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed. The former international cricketer, who represented both Australia and New Zealand, will serve out his remaining duties with the BlackCaps during the India tour of New Zealand in October before joining the Renegades upon the conclusion of that series.
A Decorated Stint with the BlackCaps
Ronchi took on the full-time batting coach role in 2020, stepping in after Peter Fulton moved to become head coach at Canterbury. His tenure coincided with one of the most successful periods in New Zealand cricket history. During his time, the BlackCaps claimed the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title in 2021, reached two ICC Men's T20 World Cup finals in 2021 and 2026, secured a historic 3-0 Test series win away against India in 2024, competed in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, won a 2-1 ODI series away against India in January, and most recently sealed a 2-1 Test series win in England in June.
Ronchi's Farewell Statement
In a statement shared by NZC, Ronchi expressed deep gratitude for his years with the national side. '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,' he said.
'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,' Ronchi added.
Tom Latham Pays Tribute
Test captain Tom Latham spoke warmly of Ronchi's contribution to the group. '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,' Latham said.
Latham further noted that Ronchi's impact was felt across the dressing room. 'He's someone who understands the environment and culture of this group and is a huge driver of that. 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,' he said.
What Happens Next
Ronchi's departure opens a significant vacancy in the BlackCaps' coaching structure ahead of what promises to be a demanding international calendar. NZC is yet to announce a successor. The India tour of New Zealand in October will mark Ronchi's final assignment with the side before he begins his new chapter leading the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL.
Point of View
Two T20 finals, and series wins in India and England are not coincidences. What NZC must now answer is whether this success was systemic or personality-driven. If it was the latter, replacing Ronchi will be harder than it looks, especially with a packed home summer and an India series on the horizon. The Renegades, meanwhile, land a coach whose credibility with top-order batters is as high as it gets in the southern hemisphere.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Luke Ronchi leaving New Zealand Cricket?
Luke Ronchi is leaving NZC to become head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Big Bash League. He will complete his duties with the BlackCaps during the India tour of New Zealand in October before taking up the new role.
When did Luke Ronchi become New Zealand's batting coach?
Ronchi took on the full-time batting coach role in 2020 after Peter Fulton left to become head coach at Canterbury. He represented both Australia and New Zealand as a player before moving into coaching.
What did New Zealand achieve under Luke Ronchi's coaching tenure?
During Ronchi's tenure, New Zealand won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, reached two T20 World Cup finals in 2021 and 2026, won a 3-0 Test series in India in 2024, and secured a 2-1 Test series win in England in June 2025, among other results.
What did Tom Latham say about Luke Ronchi's departure?
Test captain Tom Latham said it was 'disappointing to be losing a guy like Ronchs,' adding that Ronchi understood the team's culture and that 'everyone's game has gone from strength to strength under his guidance.'
Who will replace Luke Ronchi as New Zealand's batting coach?
NZC has not yet announced a successor to Ronchi's batting coach role. The vacancy will need to be filled ahead of a busy international schedule, starting with the India tour of New Zealand in October.
