Martin Guptill Announces Retirement from International Cricket
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New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has declared his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year journey. At the age of 38, Guptill has achieved 23 international centuries across all three formats, participating in 198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, and 47 Tests for New Zealand.
Guptill last represented New Zealand in 2022 and concludes his international career as the country’s leading T20I run-scorer with 3,531 runs from 122 matches, making him the second-most capped player in T20Is from New Zealand. He also accumulated 7,346 ODI runs, placing him third on the all-time ODI run-scorers list behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming.
“As a young boy, it was always my aspiration to represent New Zealand, and I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to have played 367 games for my country. I will always treasure the moments spent wearing the silver fern alongside a fantastic group of players. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my teammates and coaching staff over the years, especially Mark O’Donnell, who has coached me since my Under 19 days and provided continuous support and wisdom throughout my career.
“I must also express special thanks to my manager Leanne McGoldrick - your behind-the-scenes efforts have never gone unnoticed, and I will always be grateful for your unwavering support. To my wife Laura and our wonderful children Harley and Teddy – thank you. Thank you, Laura, for the sacrifices you've made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock, and my adviser through all the highs and lows of the game. I am eternally thankful. Lastly, I wish to thank all the cricket fans, both in New Zealand and around the globe, for their support throughout the years,” Guptill mentioned in a statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Guptill, who made his international debut in 2009, became the first New Zealand men’s batter to score an ODI double-century, achieving 237 not out in the 2015 ODI World Cup quarter-final against the West Indies at Wellington Stadium. He also holds the record for three of New Zealand's top four individual ODI scores.
In addition to hitting a staggering 1,385 fours and 383 sixes throughout his international career, Guptill is particularly remembered for his spectacular run-out of M.S. Dhoni during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over India in the 2019 ODI World Cup held in Manchester.
NZC has announced that Guptill’s illustrious international career will be honored during New Zealand’s final ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland on January 11, a venue where he has been the all-time leading run-scorer for the Blackcaps.
“I was lucky to open the batting alongside him for the BLACKCAPS for many years, and I often felt I had the best seat in the house to witness his excellence. On his day, Guptill was world-class, and his precise ball striking and timing could dismantle the best bowling attacks globally,” said Tom Latham, New Zealand Test captain.
“His statistics speak volumes, but it’s the matches he helped us win that I will remember most, along with the way he set a benchmark in the field. I wish him all the best for his future and hope to see him around the cricketing scene soon,” Latham added.
