New Zealand’s swashbuckling batter Martin Guptill was a treat to watch given his fearless strokeplay and competitive attitude. Martin Guptill wasn’t considered in the ongoing Sri Lanka’s white ball leg tour matches. Guptill had opted out of the central contract as it was assumed that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) wanted to groom the dashing & youngster Finn Allen but he wanted to become a freelancer and as of now can be spotted in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Martin Guptill had some shades of the legendary batter Brendon McCullum in his shots given the two played quite a bit of cricket together. Martin Guptill was known for hitting towering sixes. Post ICC T20 WC 2021 Martin Guptill found tough to retain his place in the team neither he got the backing of the management which raised a lot of eyebrows.
Martin Guptill (*38 year old) now most likely can be seen playing in franchise leagues all around the globe as he still has the hitting prowess. It won’t be wrong to say that Guptill deserved a farewell for his immense contribution to the New Zealand side and the ongoing Sri Lanka series could have been a somewhat ideal farewell.
I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern- Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill can be seen playing for Auckland Aces in Dream 11 Super Smash which is New Zealand’s T20 league. He announced his decision to retire from International cricket. Guptill was quite grateful for Mark O’ Donnell who coached him from U-19 level and also thanked the manager Leanne McGoldrick.
“As a young kid it was always my dream to play for New Zealand and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country. I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys,” said Martin Guptill.
“I want to say a huge thanks to all my team-mates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell who has coached me since the Under 19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career. A special thanks must also go to my manager Leanne McGoldrick – all of the work behind the scenes never went unnoticed and I’ll be forever appreciative of all your support,” he stated.
“To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank-you. Thank you Laura for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful. Finally I’d like to thank all the cricket fans, here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years,” he added.
Martin Guptill’s incredible feats
- 13-year international career
- 367 international matches (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests)
- BLACKCAPS all-time leading T20I run scorer (3,531)
- BLACKCAPS third all-time leading ODI run scorer (7,346)
- Second-most T20I appearances for BLACKCAPS (122)
- New Zealand’s highest ever ODI score (237* against West Indies in Wellington – 2015 World Cup)
- First player to score an ODI double century for NZ
- Most runs in ODIs at Eden Park (818)
- Most runs in T20Is at Eden Park (626)
- All-time leading run scorer at Eden Park
Thank You Martin Guptill and well played- NZC CEO Scott Weenink
NZC CEO Scott Weenink highlighted the phase from 2015-2019 and stated that Martin Guptill was in the form of his life. Scott Weenink said that Martin Guptill never thought about the equation to win the game and said that there was always hope for the side.
“Martin was as good as anyone else in the world. It never really mattered what the equation was, if he was at the crease anything was possible; there was always hope. There was a period, roughly between the 2015 and 2019 ICC World Cups, when he was almost without peer, he was that good,” said Scott Weenink.
“It’s appropriate, now he’s formally announced his retirement from the international arena, that we officially acknowledge and celebrate his contribution to the BLACKCAPS. I know I can speak on behalf of fans, team-mates, opponents, and everyone at NZC when I say, thank you Martin Guptill – and well played,” he added.
Martin Guptill was a world-class- Tom Latham
Black Caps’ Test captain Tom Latham said Guptill was a true match winner and said that Guptill had the power to take down the best bowling attacks in the world. Latham was quite hopeful that he would see Guptill around a cricket ground soon.
“Firstly, I’d just like to congratulate Gup on a fantastic international career. I was fortunate to open the batting with him for the BLACKCAPS over many years and I often felt I had the best seat in the house to watch him go about his work. On his day Gup was world class and his crisp ball striking and timing could take down the best bowling attacks in the world,” said Tom Latham.
“His numbers speak for themselves, but it was the matches he helped us win that I’ll remember, along with the way he set the standard in the field. “I wish him all the best for what the future holds and hope to see him around a cricket ground soon,” he added.