Former New Zealand star returns as batting coach
BJ Watling will join New Zealand’s support staff in November before taking over as batting coach after the Test series against India.
BJ Watling is set to return to the New Zealand setup as batting coach, replacing Luke Ronchi at the end of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Test series against India in early December.
The former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter will join the support staff on November 16, working alongside Ronchi during a transition period before taking over the role when New Zealand travel to Australia for a four-match Test series.
Watling brings extensive international experience to the role, having been a key figure in a successful period for New Zealand. Renowned for his resilience as a lower-middle-order batter, he scored 3790 Test runs in 75 appearances, including eight centuries and 19 fifties.
He scored nearly 3400 of those runs as a wicketkeeper, the most by a New Zealander in the role. His 265 dismissals behind the stumps also remain a national record, comfortably ahead of Adam Parore’s 201.
Watling began his career as a part-time wicketkeeper before becoming a central figure for New Zealand. He retired from international cricket in 2021 after helping the Blackcaps win the inaugural World Test Championship Final against India.
Since his international retirement, Watling has continued his coaching career in domestic cricket in New Zealand.
Watling's masterclass | WTC21 Final | Ind v NZ
The 41-year-old said he was eager to return to the familiar environment.
“I’m incredibly excited,” he said.
“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 believes Watling’s experience and character will make him a natural fit within the group.
“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,” he expressed.