Ronchi Reflects on New Zealand's Batting and Game Plan Against India
Ronchi suggested that the challenging conditions would likely prevent batters from feeling entirely settled at the crease. "It's going to be a surface where you're not going to feel like you're actually in," he said, highlighting the need for adaptable partnerships where singles could often be more beneficial than boundary-hitting.
New Zealand's batting coach Luke Ronchi expressed mixed feelings after his team was bowled out for 259 on the opening day of the second Test against India in Pune. Despite the pitch starting to show signs of turn early on, Ronchi felt that his side could have pushed for a higher total, especially after reaching a promising 197/3 before a late collapse.
Reflecting on the surface, Ronchi noted it seemed poised for spin, making every run valuable but fueling a desire for more. "If you make 600, you want 620. If you make 200, you want 220," he remarked, emphasizing the constant pursuit for additional runs, especially as some set players were unable to capitalize fully on their starts.
The coach credited New Zealand’s strategy of being more proactive against the Indian spinners, an approach that helped them post a decent total. "We've tried to change our style against Indian spinners—come out and be a little more positive. That might be just hitting singles or taking on a few more aggressive options," Ronchi explained, adding that in Pune, India kept fielders back to restrict boundaries, forcing the visitors to rotate the strike effectively.
With New Zealand already 1-0 up in the series, Ronchi is optimistic about their position, especially given the chance to bowl last on a pitch likely to deteriorate further. He also mentioned the rare advantage of winning the toss, saying, "This is the first toss we've won in an Indian Test match in a long, long time." He remains confident that, if the surface continues to favor spin, New Zealand's bowlers could restrict India's batters and create chances.
New Zealand will aim to build on their positive start as the Test progresses, hoping the turning conditions work in their favor.
