Martin Guptill, a distinguished figure in New Zealand's white-ball cricket history, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, January 8. At the age of 38, Guptill has participated in 367 matches for New Zealand, comprising 198 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 122 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and 47 Test matches. Throughout his career, he has amassed 23 centuries across these formats and has set numerous records in white-ball cricket. Currently serving as the captain of the Auckland Aces, he intends to continue his involvement in T20 franchise cricket in the near future.

Over the course of his 14-year international career, spanning from 2009 to 2022, Guptill emerged as New Zealand's top run-scorer in T20Is, accumulating 3,531 runs from 122 matches. His impressive tally of 7,346 runs in ODIs ranks him third on New Zealand's all-time list, following Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming.

In reflecting on his career, Guptill expressed immense pride, stating that it has been the greatest honor and privilege to represent New Zealand for 14 years.

Martin Guptill's emotional words

As a child, it was always my aspiration to represent New Zealand, and I consider myself extremely fortunate and proud to have participated in 367 matches for my nation, he remarked. I will always treasure the experiences gained while donning the silver fern alongside an exceptional group of individuals. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my teammates and coaching staff throughout the years, particularly to Mark O’Donnell, who has been my coach since the Under 19 level and has provided invaluable support and guidance throughout my career.

I must also express my sincere appreciation to my manager, Leanne McGoldrick; the efforts you have put in behind the scenes have not gone unnoticed, and I will always be thankful for your unwavering support.

To my wife, Laura, and our wonderful children, Harley and Teddy – thank you. Laura, I am grateful for the sacrifices you have made for our family. You have been my greatest supporter, my foundation, and my advisor through the various challenges and triumphs that accompany this sport. I am forever indebted to you.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the cricket enthusiasts, both in New Zealand and globally, for their continuous support over the years.

Guptill made his mark on the international stage in 2009, becoming the first New Zealander to score a century on his ODI debut against the West Indies at Eden Park. That same year, he was selected for the ICC's World ODI XI.

He made history as the first New Zealander to score a double-century in One Day Internationals during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, achieving an outstanding 237 not out in the quarter-final match against the West Indies at Wellington Stadium.

This remarkable innings, along with his unbeaten 189 against England in Southampton in 2013 and his 180 not out against South Africa in Hamilton in 2017, constitutes three of the top four individual ODI scores for New Zealand.

In addition, Guptill recorded two T20 International centuries: 101 not out from 69 balls against South Africa at Buffalo Park in East London in 2012, and 105 off 54 balls against Australia in Auckland six years later.

Throughout his career, he participated in 47 Test matches for New Zealand, accumulating 17 half-centuries and three centuries: 189 against Bangladesh at Seddon Park in 2010, 109 against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo in 2011, and 156 against Sri Lanka in Dunedin in 2015.

Fans will cherish Guptill’s exceptional power and timing at the top of the batting order, which enabled him to hit an impressive 1,385 fours and 383 sixes throughout his international career.

His remarkable contributions to the sport will be celebrated during New Zealand's third and final day-night ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, January 11.

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