Swashbuckling New Zealand batter Martin Guptill announced his retirement from international cricket on January 8, drawing curtains on a 13-year career that spanned from 2009 to 2022. The 38-year-old featured in 367 games – 198 ODIs, 122 T20Is and 47 Tests – for the Blackcaps.
Guptill concludes his top-flight journey as the highest T20I scorer for New Zealand with 3531 runs and the third-highest scorer for the country in the ODI format with 7346 runs, behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. He compiled 23 centuries in international cricket and made his final appearance for the Kiwis in an ODI against Australia in September 2022.
Guptill made his debut for New Zealand in the ODI format and tonned up, against the West Indies in Auckland. He was also the top-scorer in the 2015 World Cup 2015 with 547 runs in New Zealand’s crusade to the final where they came second best to Australia. His fantabulous 237 came in the same tournament against West Indies in Wellington.
He was a livewire in the field, having produced the direct hit to run MS Dhoni out in the 2019 semi-final against India in Manchester which ushered New Zealand to the final. A jovial character, Guptill reflected on the memories he made during his white-ball career and thanked his former teammates and coaches.
“I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys. 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.”
The opener also credited his wife Laura for all the sacrifices she made to support his career. “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.”
