Martin Guptill, a prominent figure in New Zealand’s white-ball cricket, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday at the age of 38. He represented the Black Caps in 184 ODIs, 122 T20 internationals, and 47 Test matches, recording a total of 23 centuries across all formats along with various white-ball milestones.
As the current captain of the Auckland Aces, Guptill will continue participating in T20 franchise cricket globally in the near term.
Having last played for New Zealand in 2022, he concluded his 14-year international tenure as the top T20I run-scorer for the country, amassing 3,531 runs from 122 T20I matches. Additionally, he accumulated 7,346 runs in ODIs, ranking him third on the all-time ODI run list, behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming.
Guptill expressed pride in his international journey, stating that representing New Zealand for 14 years was the greatest honor and privilege.
He made history in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 by scoring New Zealand’s first ODI double century, with a remarkable 237 not out in the quarter-final victory against the West Indies at Wellington Stadium.
His innings, along with an unbeaten 189 against England in Southampton in 2013 and a 180 not out against South Africa at Hamilton in 2017, are counted among New Zealand’s top four individual ODI scores.
Guptill made his mark on the international scene in 2009 by being the first New Zealander to hit a century on ODI debut, doing so against the West Indies at Eden Park.
The opening batsman also recorded two T20I centuries: the first was 101 not out off 69 balls against South Africa in 2012, followed by 105 off 54 balls against Australia.
Also Read: New Zealand Seal The Series Against Sri Lanka
Martin Guptill on Retirement:
“I have always dreamed of playing for New Zealand since I was a child, and I feel exceptionally lucky and proud to have represented my country in 367 matches,” Guptill stated upon his retirement announcement.
“I will always treasure the memories created while wearing the silver fern alongside an incredible group of individuals. Special thanks to all my teammates and coaches over the years, especially Mark O’Donnell, who has been coaching me since the Under-19 level and has been a continual source of guidance and support throughout my career,” he continued.
“I must also express my deep gratitude to my manager Leanne McGoldrick—your efforts behind the scenes never went unnoticed, and I will always be thankful for your support,” he mentioned.
“To my wife Laura and our wonderful children Harley and Teddy—thank you. Thank you, Laura, for all the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You have been my strongest supporter, my foundation, and my advisor throughout all the highs and lows that the game entails. I am forever appreciative,” Guptill remarked.
“In closing, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the cricket fans both here in New Zealand and around the globe for their unwavering support throughout the years,” the New Zealand cricket legend concluded.
