BJ Watling has been named as the new batting coach for New Zealand’s men’s cricket team, succeeding Luke Ronchi. Watling will assume his new role after New Zealand’s Test series against India this December.
Having retired from international cricket in 2021, Watling enjoyed a distinguished career, playing in 75 Tests, 28 ODIs, and five T20Is for New Zealand. He left international cricket following the inaugural World Test Championship final, where he ended his Test career as New Zealand’s highest-scoring wicketkeeper-batter with 3,790 runs at an average of 37.52.
A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement indicated that Watling will join the team on 16 November, working alongside Ronchi until the team departs for a four-Test series in Australia commencing on 9 December. In total, Watling played 178 first-class matches, amassing over 10,034 runs, including 18 centuries, throughout his career.
Watling has been active in domestic coaching since his retirement, having worked with the Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts. He was involved in Northern Districts’ success in the 2025-26 Super Smash and the 2024-25 Plunket Shield victories.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Watling stated, “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.”
Test captain Tom Latham shared his thoughts on Watling’s return, remarking, “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.”
NZC previously revealed in July that Ronchi would be leaving after six years to take up the role of head coach at Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. Earlier this year, Ronchi also took charge of Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.
