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Recently, Martin Guptill was dropped from both ODI and T20 games resulting in the termination of his central contract. He was a member of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia, although he did not play in any of the matches of the tournament. Finn Allen was expected to bat first and hence Guptill was dropped from the current series against India. As with Trent Boult's position, he was informed that preference would be given to players who are currently part of the contract squad despite his expressed desire to continue in international cricket.
Guptill acknowledged that it was a great honour to represent his country and thanked everyone at the Blackcaps and NZC for their support. However, he understood the need to consider his options in a given situation.
With this release, he is still available for New Zealand, giving him the chance to look at other opportunities and spend more time with his family, which is important. He may be considered as a replacement player by at least two BBL teams as they look to bolster their squads for the next campaign.
Similar to Guptill’s decision, Boult decided to give up his central contract. Boult, like Guptill, was a member of the T20 World Cup squad but was not selected to face India. Boult is scheduled to play next for the Melbourne Stars in the BBL before joining MI Emirates for the ILT20.
In addition, Jimmy Neesham turned down a contract due to existing commitments from deals he signed while not on the list, and Colin de Grandhomme announced his retirement after being selected by the Adelaide Strikers.
Gary Stead, New Zealand's head coach, said the evolving nature of the T20 leagues could pose a challenge for his team after the T20 World Cup. However, White shows faith in the game's ability to adapt.
He noted that at this stage in their careers, players with successful and extensive international records such as Martin, Trent and Colin often find themselves with alternative playing options. White emphasised the importance of recognizing these decisions, viewing them as a normal part of the various career trajectories of individuals in team sports.
Martin Guptill realised that players in the contract squad are preferred for alternate career options, much like Trent Boult, despite his desire to play for his country. Guptill expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent New Zealand and thanked the Blackcaps and NZC for their support.
FAQs
Which players other than Martin Guptill who announced retirement from the NZ cricket team?
Apart from Martin Guptill, Colin de Grandhomme and Trent Boult announced retirement from their national team.
Which match made Martin Guptil famous?
Guptill first came into the public eye when he won the State Shield overall run charts in 2007–08. His heroics propelled Auckland to the championship game and he continued his winning ways at the Emerging Players competition in Australia, where he finished as New Zealand's top scorer. He was subsequently called up to the ODI and Test squads after being selected for the A side.
What has Martin Guptill’s performance been like in the World Cups?
Guptill was New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer in the 2011 World Cup and played well in the 2015 tournament, scoring an unbeaten 237 in the quarter-finals to become the first Kiwi batsman to score an ODI double ton. Over the years, Guptill has landed a series of devastating blows, most of which have completely demolished his opponents. Before breaking it himself at the 2015 World Cup, Martin even held the record for the best individual score of 189 by a Kiwi at the time.
