Colin Munro has flown in from India to start his second spell at New Road – with Worcestershire assistant coach Matt Mason hailing the competitive nature and "total freedom" approach of the left hander.
The New Zealand batsman will be Worcestershire's overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast for the second successive season after being part of the Mumbai Indians squad which won the IPL.
Munro enjoyed a successful winter in four-day and 50 over cricket for Auckland and his last knock on March 24 saw him score a world record 23 sixes for a first class innings against Central Districts on his way to a career best 281.
He finished as Worcestershire's second highest scorer in last season's T20 Blast behind skipper Daryl Mitchell.
Mason said: "Colin was a different character to what we are used to, very tough, very in your face, very aggressive type character to the opposition, something we haven't had in the past, so he was always up for a fight, a fantastic competitor.
"But he also plays his cricket the way New Zealand have played it in recent times with total freedom, that reverse sweep he pulls out, and the way he goes about his cricket was great for our young lads to see – and he fitted into our dressing room.
"That to me is the key to everything. He was one of the boys, came in on his days off, went in and practiced with everyone. You don't often see that in overseas professionals.
"He wanted to get involved so he played some second team cricket as well, and that was his decision, and he came away with us for one four-day match and did 12th man duties.
"That is unheard of but that's the sort of bloke he is. He wants to be part of it and I think that is really important. He is welcomed back with open arms."
Munro will be available to play in the Rapids opening home game against Leicestershire Foxes on Friday, starting at 5.30pm.
*Munro's Black Caps team-mate Mitchell McClenaghan, who played for Worcestershire last season, helped Mumbai to the IPL title with 3-25 in the final against Chennai Super Kings.
