By Zainab Shafiq 
New Zealand cricket icon Martin Guptill has finally retired from international cricket, marking the end of a 13-year-long illustrious career spanning 367 matches across formats. The 38-year-old, who debuted in 2009, leaves behind an incredible legacy as one of New Zealand’s finest batsmen.
He played 198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, and 47 Tests for his country, amassing impressive records. He is New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in T20Is with 3,531 runs and the third-highest in ODIs with 7,346 runs, behind only Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. Across formats, he recorded 23 centuries, including three in Tests, 18 in ODIs, and two in T20Is.
His most memorable performance came in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, for which he scored the most runs with 547 runs. The career-best knock of 237 not out against the West Indies in the quarterfinal still stands as the highest individual score in World Cup history.
Not just a batsman, Guptill was also known to be an astute fielder. He will always be remembered for the direct hit that dismissed India’s MS Dhoni in the 2019 World Cup semifinal and went on to help New Zealand reach the final.
Reflecting on his career, Guptill was grateful to his teammates, coaches, and family. “I will always remember the memories that were made while wearing the silver fern alongside an amazing group of guys,” he said. He also gave much credit to the coach Mark O’Donnell, who began molding his career at the Under-19 level and took him through the peaks and troughs.
Guptill also thanked his wife, Laura, for her sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his journey. “You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock, and my counsel,” he shared.
Though his international career has concluded, Guptill’s contributions to cricket will remain an inspiration for generations to come.
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