With some strong performances in the latest installment of the T20 World Cup in India, Guptill is showing why he will be sorely missed in this years IPL tournament.
Guptill was surprisingly snubbed by IPL bosses in February’s auction, where many thought he would cash in after an explosive summer with the bat. The New Zealand batsmen had been firing at the top of the order in the shortest format of the game, smashing 377 runs at an average of 53.86 since January. The opener also displayed his consistency with scores of 30 or more in seven out of eight matches leading up to the IPL auction. Given his outstanding form Guptill’s omission came as a shock to fans and players.
Currently the third highest run scorer in T20 internationals Guptill is widely considered one of the most prolific six hitters in the game, yet IPL bosses still couldn't find a spot for the Blackcaps opener. According to various IPL coaching staff one of the reasons Guptill was overlooked was the uncertainty surrounding his ability to adapt in sub-continent conditions. Questions were raised about the amount of runs he scores on home soil compared to overseas. In his one and only T20 game in the Indian sub-continent Guptill only managed a lowly 5 runs. Considering the spin friendly pitches in India, IPL bosses would have been conscious of Guptill’s notoriously poor form when facing spin.
In recent years IPL bosses have become more prudent with spending big on international players. Those like Guptill, unproven in Indian conditions, can be viewed with trepidation. As most IPL teams already had set opening partnerships, this too counted against Guptill. Raghu Iyer, CEO of new IPL team Rising Pune Supergiants, said there simply wasn’t enough space, and teams did not want to risk having to pay for a player to sit on the sidelines for the entire tournament.
In light of his recent performances at the T20 World Cup, Guptill’s chances of playing in the IPL may not be over. He has reignited claims he should be playing in the tournament, scoring an outstanding 80 against Pakistan during the group stages of the competition. Guptill did not seem to be troubled by the conditions as he struck three sixes and 10 fours in his knock against a Pakistan side well suited to the sub-continent conditions. Considering his lack of game time in India, Guptill looked at ease throughout his innings, ending up with a healthy strike rate of 166.
Former Sri Lankan international Mahela Jayewardene believes Guptill may still have a chance of picking up an IPL contract after his performance at the T20 World Cup. Despite most teams having a settled opening pair, Jayewardene thinks the IPL franchises might change their mind after seeing how he has performed in the Indian conditions. The Sri Lankan star has been quick to praise Guptill’s ability to kick start an innings in the power-play, and provide a solid base for the Blackcaps to develop an innings.
Former Indian international Sanjay Manjrekar, has also spoken about Guptill following his match winning 80 against Pakistan. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar said that Guptill is not just a T20 basher, but a proper player with the ability to play all around the wicket. Both Jayewardene and Manjrekar believe there is bound to be an injury leading up to the ninth installment of the IPL, and Guptill is a quick replacement should it happen.
Guptill is not the only player to have impressed at the T20 World Cup, with the young spin pairing of Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi showing they have a bright future in the game. In foreign conditions the pair managed to rip through the Indians who pride themselves on their ability to play spin. Considering both players have minimal experience, their seven wickets in that opening game against India was staggering. Neither player was really a chance of gaining an IPL contract, but their ability to turn the ball in sub-continent conditions and take wickets will mean they will be strong contenders for next years’ tournament.