New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36.
Ronchi last played for the BlackCaps during the 2017 Champions Trophy, where the Kiwis were knocked out in the first round itself. Ronchi represented New Zealand for four Tests, 85 One-Day Internationals and 32 T20 Internationals since his debut in 2008.
The hard-hitting batsman averaged 23.67 in ODIs at a strike-rate of 114.50, and 18.89 in T20Is at a strike-rate of 141.33. He took 105 catches and effected 12 stumpings behind the sticks in ODIs.
Ronchi was part of the New Zealand team that reached the final of the 2015 World Cup, before losing to Australia.
He will continue playing on the domestic T20 circuit around the world and in the English county season, where he will represent Leicester.
Playing for New Zealand “was a dream come true”, Ronchi said in a statement. “I can’t think of a better time to have been involved with New Zealand cricket. From the 2015 World Cup campaign, through to the overseas tours of that time and some amazing games and series, it’s been a genuine highlight for me”.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson paid tribute to Ronchi, saying that apart from being a “very destructive batsman”, he was a “very skillful wicketkeeper” who was “often overlooked in a game increasingly dominated by batting and run-scoring”.
“We’ll remember Luke fondly for the energy he created in the field and his selfless attitude towards the team,” Hesson was quoted as saying. “He was always prepared to play a role for the greater good of the team; to do what was required even if that risked sacrificing his wicket...We’ll miss having him around the group and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”
