'You Always Want More Runs' – Ronchi Reflects on New Zealand's Batting in Pune

New Zealand's batting coach, Luke Ronchi, expressed a mix of satisfaction and regret after his team was bowled out for 259 on the opening day of the Test against India in Pune. The pitch, which began to show signs of wear early on, looked set to support spin, yet Ronchi emphasized that New Zealand had hoped for a larger total despite the challenging surface.

"The position we’re in, I guess, when you look at the surface straight out, it seemed like a turning track," Ronchi said. "But you always want more runs, no matter the conditions. Whether it’s 600 or 200, you always want a little extra."

New Zealand had initially capitalized on winning the toss, building a solid 197/3. However, a late-order collapse saw their innings curtailed. Ronchi acknowledged this dip, saying, "Some of the guys got themselves in, were batting well, but then, unfortunately, got out. You always want more when you’re in and making it look easier than it is for a new batsman."

Looking ahead, Ronchi expects this approach to continue, especially given the difficulty batters may face settling in on the Pune track. "It’s going to be a surface where you may never feel fully set, so players will need to keep rotating the strike. Partnerships will be key, and whether that means picking singles or being more aggressive, each batsman will determine the best strategy," he said.

Ronchi also noted the potential advantage for New Zealand if the pitch continues to deteriorate, giving their spinners a chance to exploit the conditions. With a 1-0 series lead, he’s hopeful that bowling last could work in their favor. "I think this is the first toss we’ve won in an Indian Test in a long time. To see the spinners turning the ball is encouraging. The surface looked like it would turn a lot from the outset, and if we can control the game, we may create more wicket-taking chances as the pitch continues to wear."