In May that year, Ronchi endured a difficult start as a limited overs wicketkeeper-opener. After a drop to No.7, he met the skipper's demands for controlled aggression.
Ronchi's batting skill betrayed him for much of his final two years but that blip could not disguise exemplary glovework and an unwavering belief that playing for your mates was the ultimate pathway to enjoyment.
"We'll remember Luke fondly for the energy he created in the field and his selfless attitude towards the team," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said.
"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."
Ronchi will best be remembered as a thrilling batsman, regardless of format.
His signature innings was the 170 not out ODI world record by a No.7, which he scored off 99 balls against Sri Lanka at Dunedin on January 23, 2015. It came alongside his unbeaten 267-run world record sixth-wicket stand with Grant Elliott.
The tourists were lucky the innings was capped at 50 overs. It felt like Ronchi could have batted ad infinitum. He unleashed on University Oval with wrists as supple as rubber bands. His bat behaved like a catapult with seven of his nine sixes swatted towards cow corner, before punishing cover drives came from minimal width outside off stump.
The innings was spectacular but the confidence Ronchi imbued in his teammates, 22 days before the World Cup, was more important.
His test outings provided more of an enigma.
Innings of 88 and 31 came on debut at Headingley in 2015 during New Zealand's first victory in England since 1999. Ronchi waited more than 16 months for his next three appearances where as a specialist No.5 in India to counter spin. He made the top Black Caps aggregate of 118 runs during the first test loss at Kanpur.
Ronchi spoke to the Herald at Indore ahead of the third test in October, and hinted time away from his family was taking a toll.
In one respect that completed his career circle. He represented Australia in ODIs and T20s briefly in 2008 and 2009, but faced a significant decision embarking on the New Zealand chapter of his career in 2013.
He wasn't eligible until January that year, months after wife Shaan fell pregnant. The couple already had a son, Brody, but daughter Indi was born when he was on the England tour.
"If I'd stayed for another two days it would've been sweet," he said. "But the tour would've been missed if I'd waited until Shaan was full term. Because we had moved over to New Zealand for cricket, my wife was sweet with the decision."
Shaan insisted her husband seize the international cricket lifeline which has paid dividends.
"I think I've been away more than I've been at home for Indi's life, but they understand Dad's going off to play cricket and they see me on TV.
"You're a long time retired. I started at 32 so have a smaller window to make the most of that."
He deserves to exit with minimal regrets.
Luke Ronchi
Tests 4, 319 runs at 39.87 average, five dismissals (five catches).
ODIs 85, 1397 runs at 23.67 average and 115 strike rate, 117 dismissals (105 catches, 12 stumpings).
T20Is 32, 351 runs at 18.89 average and 141 strike rate, 29 dismissals (24 catches, five stumpings).
