Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Live sport on SN this weekendRonchi to depart Blackcaps for Melbourne Renegades
Sport Nation • July 17th, 2026 3:10 pm
Luke Ronchi | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Blackcaps batting coach Luke Ronchi will leave New Zealand Cricket after the upcoming home series against India to become head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League.
Ronchi has served as the Blackcaps' full-time batting coach since 2020 and was part of a successful period that included the 2021 ICC World Test Championship title, two ICC Men's T20 World Cup final appearances, and landmark away series wins in India and England.
Blackcaps Test captain Tom Latham praised Ronchi's impact: “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.
"We’ll miss him, but we obviously wish him all the best for what he’s got coming up."
Luke Ronchi holds the World Test Championship mace at Te Papa | Photo: Photosport
Ronchi said he was grateful for his time 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.
"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 will remain with the Blackcaps through the India series before joining the Renegades, with New Zealand Cricket to appoint his replacement in due course.
Millsy weighs in on Blackcaps' heroics in England | Millsy & Guy
