Martin Guptill - Going the McCullum way

Martin Guptill has been the trump card for the Kiwis heading into the World T20. His whirlwind innings of 80 runs from 48 balls last night has assured that New Zealand becomes the first team to seal the semis spot.

So far in the tournament, Guptill has registered scores of 6, 39 and 80 with his only failure coming against India. He made a statement of intent straightaway by slamming a six off India’s spin ace Ravichandran Ashwin on the first ball of the match. However, he was unlucky to be given out on the very next ball which turned out to be a harsh lbw call.

We had seen Brendon McCullum play the aggressor for New Zealand, scoring runs at a frenetic pace while there was no doubt over Guptill’s ability as a match-winner, the doubt was whether he could brush aside the inconsistency.

During the 2015 World Cup at home, the team management showed faith in Guptill and gave him an extended run in the tournament as an opener. And the Kiwi opener repaid it by adding a new feather entering the 200 runs club in ODIs by becoming first ever double centurion for New Zealand.

He slammed 237 not out from 163 balls, the second-highest score in the ODI format. The fundamental of Guptill’s knock was his orthodox stroke playing abilities coming almost straight out of nowhere, a trait which comes from McCullum’s coaching manuals.

“I can’t remember what was going on! It just sort of happened! I just struck each ball as it came down, and that seemed to have worked that day”, said Guptill cheekily when asked about the glorious knock.

Ever since McCullum hung his boots, Martin Guptill’s job has perfected in standing up and thrusting each ball in his direction. When Guptill swings it to the on, it rarely looks a slog. It’s rather clean and effortless hitting which is a treat to anyone’s eyes.

He suffered from a freak incident, early days in his career where he lost his toes and the way in which he overcame the obstacle to reach this level is a glowing testimony of how he has been doing things in his own quiet way. He shares batting characteristics with his idol is Nathan Astle.

In this World T20, New Zealand have gone from underdogs to favourites during the course of the first half of the tournament. They have a great chance to pull off a victory and end their drought in ICC tournaments. And there’s no doubt that Martin Guptill has to be the one launching them towards it.