In a significant development, legendary New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glorious 14-year career. The 38-year-old cricketer leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having represented his country in all three formats of the game.
Career Overview
Martin Guptill made his international debut in January 2009 in an ODI series against the West Indies. Known for his versatility and consistency, he soon established himself as a key player across all formats.
Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Centuries | Highest Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
ODI | 198 | 7,346 | 18 | 237* |
T20I | 122 | 3,531 | 2 | 105 |
Test | 47 | 2,586 | 3 | 189 |
Achievements and Records
- Highest Individual ODI Score for New Zealand: Guptill holds the record for the highest individual score by a Kiwi batter in ODIs, with an unbeaten 237 runs against the West Indies during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- New Zealand’s Leading T20I Run-Scorer: He amassed 3,531 runs in T20Is, making him the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in the format.
- 23 International Centuries: Guptill scored a total of 23 centuries across all formats during his international career.
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Memorable Moments
- 2015 World Cup Heroics: Guptill played a crucial role in New Zealand’s journey to the final, highlighted by his record-breaking double century.
- 2019 World Cup Semifinal Run-Out: Guptill’s direct hit to run out MS Dhoni in the semifinal against India was a game-changing moment and is remembered as one of the most iconic plays in World Cup history.
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Guptill’s Retirement Statement
Reflecting on his career, Guptill said, “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.”
He expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaching staff, and especially his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey. Guptill extended special thanks to his long-time coach Mark O’Donnell and manager Leanne McGoldrick.
Continued Involvement in Cricket
Despite retiring from international cricket, Guptill will continue playing franchise cricket. He is currently part of Auckland Aces in the Super Smash league.
Tributes from Teammates
Tom Latham, New Zealand’s Test captain, praised Guptill’s contributions: “On his day, Gup was world-class, and his crisp ball striking could take down the best bowling attacks in the world. I often felt I had the best seat in the house to watch him play.”
Guptill’s Stats at a Glance
Category | Statistic |
Total International Matches | 367 |
Total International Runs | 13,463 |
Total Centuries | 23 |
ODI Double Centuries | 1 (237*) |
T20I Half-Centuries | 20 |
Martin Guptill’s retirement marks the end of an era in New Zealand cricket. With numerous records, memorable innings, and a lasting impact on the game, Guptill will always be remembered as one of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers. Fans and fellow cricketers have wished him well for his future endeavors in franchise cricket.