New Zealand Opener Martin Guptill Retires From International Cricket

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill announced his international retirement on January 8. He played international cricket for a period of 14 years from 2009 to 2022. In the meantime, he played 367 games (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is and 47 Tests).

He finished his international career as New Zealand's highest run-getter in T20I cricket with 3531 runs in 122 matches. He played 198 ODIs scoring 7346 runs including 18 hundreds and 39 fifties. He is the only batter to have scored a double hundred in a World Cup when he scored 237 against West Indies in the 2015 ODI World Cup.

Guptill finished as the third-highest scorer for the country in the ODI format with 7346 runs, behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. Besides his batting, Martin Guptill was also known for his acrobatic fielding skills. Indian fans remember him for running out MS Dhoni in the 2019 semi-final match in Manchester which turned out to be his last ODI international game for India.

The opener fondly looked back at the defining moments of his international career and thanked his coaches and teammates in this journey as an international cricketer.

"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" Guptill said on finishing his international career.

Martin Guptill's Heartfelt Note For His Wife Laura

Guptill further thanked his wife Laura for the sacrifices she made to ensure Gutill had an international career of note. He took a moment to acknowledge his wife's contributions in his career as well.

"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" said the now former Kiwi cricketer.

Besides playing international cricket across three formats, Martin Guptill was a well-travelled T20 cricketer having played in leagues like the IPL, BBL, BPL, PSL, CPL and also in the English county cricket circuit.