Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Luke Ronchi has opened up about his coaching journey after taking over as head coach of Islamabad United in Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), while also addressing comparisons with former Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
Ronchi, who has been serving as the batting coach of New Zealand Cricket for the past six years, joined the setup two years after Hesson’s departure. Their paths later crossed again in franchise cricket when Hesson guided Islamabad United to a Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in 2024 before stepping down.
Now 45, Ronchi has replaced Hesson at the franchise. While comparisons between the two coaches are expected, he emphasized that his coaching philosophy is shaped by his own experiences rather than any attempt to replicate previous methods.
“I have a different vibe to Mike Hesson,” Ronchi said, adding that “it’d be quite a boring game if everyone did it the exact same way all the time.”
He stressed that his responsibility is not to reintroduce past systems but to bring his own identity into the team environment. According to Ronchi, although their career paths may invite comparisons, both coaches approach the game differently and operate with distinct perspectives.
Ronchi has a strong history with Islamabad United, having represented the franchise from 2018 to 2020. He played a key role in their 2018 PSL title-winning campaign, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer while also earning Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament honors.
He continues to hold the record for the highest powerplay strike rate in PSL history, exceeding 182.
His transition into coaching began during his playing days with New Zealand, where he often supported teammates in a backup role. After retiring from international cricket, he shifted his focus toward mentoring players across franchise teams, which eventually led him into a full-time coaching role during the COVID-19 period with New Zealand Cricket.
Speaking about his return to Islamabad United, Ronchi acknowledged that the team has undergone significant changes, even with captain Shadab Khan still part of the squad. “It is a big change,” he said. “Shadab has grown from the cricketer he was then to what he is now, the squad is very different.”
He highlighted the importance of balancing his own coaching style with the franchise’s established culture, noting that aligning his methods with the team’s environment and leadership is key while maintaining his personal approach.
Ronchi also pointed to the broader purpose of the PSL, emphasizing long-term player development over short-term results. “If you’re just thinking about winning this every year, I think you get a bit short-sighted,” he said, adding that the competition plays an important role in producing future international cricketers for Pakistan.
He further noted that Islamabad United’s calm and structured philosophy aligns with his own coaching mindset, where reducing pressure and allowing players to perform freely is a priority.
Rather than enforcing a rigid system, Ronchi favors a flexible approach that combines instinct with analysis to suit different players and conditions.
As he continues to manage his dual responsibilities with New Zealand and Islamabad United, Ronchi remains optimistic about future success, noting that winning a white-ball tournament would be a significant milestone in his coaching career.
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