Rob Walter Appointed as New Zealand Men's Cricket Team Head Coach

New Zealand Cricket Welcomes Rob Walter

New Delhi, June 6: New Zealand Cricket has officially announced Rob Walter as the new head coach for the men's national team, succeeding Gary Stead, as reported by various sources.

Walter is set to begin his role in mid-June, with his inaugural task being a tour to Zimbabwe scheduled for July. His contract is valid until the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will take place in New Zealand and Australia in late 2028.

Prior to this appointment, Walter was in charge of the South African white-ball teams until April, stepping down after their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Under his leadership, the South African team made history by reaching the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, where they finished as runners-up to India after an impressive eight-match winning streak.

He also led the 50-over squad to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 held in India.

This announcement follows the confirmation of Stead's departure on Thursday, when New Zealand Cricket decided against a Test-only role for him, opting instead for a single head coach to oversee all formats.

Stead had a successful seven-year tenure, highlighted by the team's victory in the ICC World Test Championship in 2021, where they topped the Test Rankings and achieved a remarkable 3-0 Test series win against India away from home last year.

Walter's family has remained in New Zealand while he coached South Africa, having established his life in Hawke's Bay after previous head coaching roles with Otago Volts and Central Stags in New Zealand's domestic cricket, according to ESPNcricinfo.

He guided the Stags to victories in the Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield during the 2022-23 season. Additionally, Walter led New Zealand A on a tour of India in 2022 and has experience as an assistant coach in the IPL.