Former New Zealand white-ball specialist Martin Guptill reminisced about opening the batting alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma after his stunning unbeaten 160 off just 49 balls* in the Legend 90 League on Monday.
Guptill, playing for Chhattisgarh Warriors, single-handedly demolished Big Boys Unikari, smashing 16 sixes and 12 fours, outscoring the opposition’s total of 151 runs. His 34-ball century was the fastest of the tournament, helping his team post the first-ever 200+ total in the league and secure an 89-run victory.
Guptill’s Admiration for Rohit Sharma
In a quick-fire on-field interaction after his explosive innings, Guptill was asked to name a cricketer he would love to open the batting with. He responded:
“I’ve opened with him before, I enjoy batting with Rohit Sharma.”
Guptill had previously played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2016, where he had the opportunity to bat alongside Rohit. Both players are regarded as modern-day greats in white-ball cricket, known for their aggressive stroke play and ability to dismantle any bowling attack.
Notably, both Guptill and Rohit belong to an elite club of batters who have scored a double century in ODIs, solidifying their place among the best limited-overs openers.
Guptill Wants to Face Hardik Pandya
When asked about a bowler he would love to face, Guptill expressed his eagerness to take on Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, saying:
“I would want to face Hardik Pandya. We have had some amazing battles over the years.”
Parallel Performances: Guptill and Rohit Shine
While Guptill was setting records in the Legend 90 League, Rohit Sharma was scripting his own comeback, smashing a magnificent century against England on Sunday, reaffirming his dominance in international cricket.
With both batters proving their worth once again, fans continue to cherish their incredible contributions to the sport.