“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.
Luke Ronchi will step down as the Black Caps batting coach. Photo / Photosport
“I’ll be watching very closely and wish everyone all the very best with what’s to come in the future.”
Black Caps test captain Tom Latham spoke about Ronchi’s importance to the team.
“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.
“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.
“We’ll miss him, but we obviously wish him all the best for what he’s got coming up.”
Ronchi will leave the Black Caps at the end of India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand and a decision on his replacement will be made in due course.
This decision comes after former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming left his post with the Indian Premier League’s Chennai Super Kings.
Fleming told the Herald he would consider taking a role with New Zealand Cricket, but no approach as been made.
“Given my current employment state, I’m happy to look at anything,” he said.
“I’ve been reasonably open with that in the past. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to join the Black Caps when on tour, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
“This generation of New Zealand cricketers has been outstanding; we’ve had some of the best ever.
“Having had the chance to share some time with them whilst they’ve been on tour and in competitions has been quite a highlight.
“If the opportunity did come up and the timing was right, absolutely I’d look at it.”
Fleming would also be interested in being involved with the proposed NZ20, set to launch in 2028.
He’s had extensive experience in franchise T20 cricket with roles at the Texas Super Kings in American Major League Cricket and the Johannesburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20 beyond his role in Chennai.
The chance to be involved with franchise cricket in New Zealand is something he’d be happy to take up.
“It’s certainly something I’d love to be involved in,” he said.
“With it pushed back to 2028, there’s certainly a possibility of that.
“Being away for 19 years, coaching overseas, my passion for cricket in New Zealand to flourish is very high.
“If there was an opportunity in that, that’s something I’d look into.”
The Black Caps are currently touring the West Indies and have a 2-1 lead in the one-day international series with two matches remaining.