World Test Champion BJ Watling Returns to New Zealand as Batting Coach

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling is returning to the national setup in a new role. The 41-year-old has been appointed as New Zealand’s new batting coach.

Watling will replace Luke Ronchi after New Zealand’s Test series against India in November. His tenure will begin with New Zealand’s upcoming tour of Australia.

Watling said he was thrilled to return to the national team and work with a side that has achieved significant success in recent years. He is eager to contribute to the development of what he described as a world-class team.

Watling retired from international cricket after New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, defeating India in the final.

During his international career, Watling played 75 Tests, 28 ODIs and five T20Is for New Zealand. He scored 3,790 runs at an average of 37.52 in Test cricket, the highest tally by a New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter in the format.

After retirement, Watling moved into coaching and worked with domestic teams Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts. He was part of Northern Districts’ successful Plunket Shield campaign in the 2024-25 season and their Super Smash triumph in 2025-26.

Now, Watling will bring his experience to the national team as a coach. Having helped New Zealand achieve major victories as a player, he will now work behind the scenes to develop the next generation of Kiwi batters.

His return marks a new chapter in his cricket career—this time, from the dressing room rather than behind the stumps.

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling is returning to the national setup in a new role. The 41-year-old has been appointed as New Zealand’s new batting coach.

Watling will replace Luke Ronchi after New Zealand’s Test series against India in November. His tenure will begin with New Zealand’s upcoming tour of Australia.

Watling said he was thrilled to return to the national team and work with a side that has achieved significant success in recent years. He is eager to contribute to the development of what he described as a world-class team.

Watling retired from international cricket after New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, defeating India in the final.

During his international career, Watling played 75 Tests, 28 ODIs and five T20Is for New Zealand. He scored 3,790 runs at an average of 37.52 in Test cricket, the highest tally by a New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter in the format.

After retirement, Watling moved into coaching and worked with domestic teams Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts. He was part of Northern Districts’ successful Plunket Shield campaign in the 2024-25 season and their Super Smash triumph in 2025-26.

Now, Watling will bring his experience to the national team as a coach. Having helped New Zealand achieve major victories as a player, he will now work behind the scenes to develop the next generation of Kiwi batters.

His return marks a new chapter in his cricket career—this time, from the dressing room rather than behind the stumps.