Martin Guptill, a white-ball legend for New Zealand, has officially retired from international cricket. The 38-year-old batsman, who last represented New Zealand in October 2022, will continue playing in T20 leagues worldwide.
Currently active in New Zealand's domestic T20 competition, the Super Smash, Guptill has also entered the PSL draft, where Islamabad United holds retention rights.
Guptill leaves behind a remarkable legacy, finishing as New Zealand's third-highest run-scorer in ODIs with 7346 runs in 198 matches, trailing only Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. In T20Is, he holds the distinction of being the highest run-getter for the Black Caps, amassing 3531 runs in 122 games at a stellar strike rate of 135.70.
Despite a modest Test career, where he scored 2586 runs at 29.38, his achievements in limited-overs cricket solidify his status as one of New Zealand’s finest.
Guptill reflected on his journey with pride:
"As a young kid, it was my dream to play for New Zealand. I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country. I'll forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys."
He also expressed gratitude towards his family, particularly his wife, Laura, and their children:
"Laura, you've been my biggest supporter, my rock, and my counsel through all the ups and downs of the game. I am eternally grateful."
Guptill’s international career was filled with iconic moments, including his unbeaten 237 in the 2015 ODI World Cup quarter-final against the West Indies—the second-highest individual score in ODI history.
He played a pivotal role in New Zealand reaching the final of that tournament, where they were ultimately defeated by Australia.
His fielding brilliance was equally memorable, notably the direct-hit run-out of MS Dhoni in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against India, which helped New Zealand secure their place in a second consecutive final.
In 2022, Guptill stepped away from his New Zealand central contract to pursue freelance opportunities in global T20 leagues. Since then, he has participated in leagues across Australia, Pakistan, the Caribbean, the UAE, and Nepal.
New Zealand Cricket paid tribute to Guptill during the third ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park on January 11, acknowledging his contributions to the game.
Teammates like Tom Latham reflected on his impact:
"On his day, Gup was world-class. His crisp ball-striking could dismantle even the best bowling attacks. Beyond the numbers, it was his match-winning performances and fielding standards that will be remembered."
As Guptill continues his journey in domestic and franchise cricket, he leaves an indelible mark as one of New Zealand’s cricketing greats.
Updated on 15th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.