Luke Ronchi's batting strategy: Get off strike

New Zealand Black Caps batsman Luke Ronchi. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Luke Ronchi has a simple philosophy when he's batting - get off strike.

The New Zealand ODI wicketkeeper thrust himself into an outside shot at an opening batting spot in this week's first test against India at Kanpur starting on Thursday with his 107 in the warmup game against Mumbai in New Delhi.

With encumbent test opener Martin Guptill's time running out the longer he fails to deliver runs, Ronchi gave New Zealand an option to consider.

His approach is very different to Guptill's but he's an effective batsman who, in his words "just want to contribute more than anything".

"I want to help towards the team doing well, and it's nice to make runs. You want to improve yourself whenever you play."

Ronchi had his opportunity when New Zealand juggled their batting order in the second innings of the draw against Mumbai over the weekend, and couldn't be accused of not having taken it.

"My game plan normally is just get off strike," Ronchi said.

"If the field is in I have to get them out. A couple over the top and there's a few gaps.

"It's not going to work all the time. But the best way to bat for as long as possible is to be at the other end, so if I get myself off strike that's a good thing."

Ronchi has played just one test, at Leeds last year when regular test keeper BJ Watling had an injury and played solely as a batsman. Ronchi hit 88 and 31 in the match, demonstrating he would not be out of his depth in the five-day game.

"If it comes up I certainly won't say no," he said of the prospect of a surprise callup as test opener.

"I don't know what Hess and Kane (coach Mike Hesson and captain Kane Williamson) are thinking. Whatever they say I'll try and do my best for the team, if given the chance."

New Zealand's selectors have been determined to give Guptill every opportunity to reproduce his rousing white ball form into the test game. His test average is 29 from 44 tests and he has struggled against the better bowling attacks.

Guptill is likely to get the first chance in Kanpur, but there is no other specialist top order batsman in the squad, courtesy of the decision to omit Auckland opener Jeet Raval.

Ronchi has effectively put his hand up to show he could be a contender if the bosses decide it's time to make a change.