BJ Watling Set to Become New Zealand Batting Coach
Former Black Caps star BJ Watling is set to replace Luke Ronchi as New Zealand's batting coach following the Test series against India.
In a major shake-up for the Black Caps' support staff, former legendary wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling is poised to take over the role of batting coach for New Zealand. He is slated to replace Luke Ronchi following the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against India, scheduled for early December.
A Smooth Transition Period
The handover will not be instantaneous. According to reports from the ICC, Watling is expected to join the coaching setup on November 16. This will allow for a collaborative transition period where he will work alongside Ronchi. The formal takeover of the batting coaching duties will officially occur when the New Zealand squad travels to Australia for their upcoming four-match Test series.
The Legacy of a Test Great
Watling brings an immense wealth of international experience to the coaching dugout. His career is defined by grit and consistency in the longest format of the game. His statistical achievements include:
- Test Runs: 3,790 runs across 75 Test matches.
- Centuries: 8 hundreds and 19 half-centuries.
- Wicketkeeping Record: He scored nearly 3,400 of his Test runs while keeping wickets, a feat unmatched by any other New Zealander.
- Dismissals: He holds the national record with 265 dismissals behind the stumps, significantly higher than the previous record of 202 held by Adam Parore.
Watling’s international career reached a triumphant end in 2021 when he retired after helping the Black Caps secure the inaugural World Test Championship title in their historic victory against India.
Watling and Latham React to the News
Expressing his enthusiasm about returning to the fold, Watling noted that joining the current setup is a prestigious opportunity. He acknowledged the recent successes of the team and expressed a desire to add value to the existing structure.
“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,” Watling stated.
New Zealand's Test captain, Tom Latham, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Watling's character as a player will likely define his tenure as a coach. Latham believes the legendary cricketer's work ethic will be a massive asset to the team environment.
"BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a BLACKCAP, 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," Latham remarked.