He no longer produces the flashing pull strokes like when he first embarked on international cricket but this remodelled version has hit form at the right time in the World Cup.
The New Zealand opener scored 57 against Afghanistan in pool play two weeks ago and finished the group stages with 105 against Bangladesh last week.
But he took it up another gear as he smashed the West Indies bowlers -- and a host of records -- to all corners of Wellington Regional Stadium during their quarter-final yesterday. (sat)
Guptill carried his bat and finished the innings unbeaten on 237 from 163 balls. New Zealand posted an imposing 393-6 from their 50 overs, which set up a 143-run victory.
"I'm pretty proud to score that many runs and to get the win, as well," Guptill said.
Before the World Cup there were concerns around his form as he bumbled his way through the seven-match lead-up series against Sri Lanka.
The 28-year-old passed 50 only once against a poor Sri Lankan bowling attack and three ducks were worrying.
It followed on from a middling 2014 where he averaged 30 but his strike rake dipped below 70 as he struggled to push singles, while the dot balls mounted.
But his recent work with former New Zealand great Martin Crowe has paid off.
"Mainly footwork stuff and lining up the bowlers a bit better than what I had been," Guptill said of Crowe's advice. "Trying to hit the ball a little straighter, instead of trying to play too square, too early, and that's been the main thing and I think it's working pretty well at the moment."
When he brought up his double century -- becoming the first New Zealander to do so in an ODI -- Guptill pointed his bat to towards the team dugout, removed his helmet and let out a roar.
The Aucklander was dropped at square leg in the first over by Marlon Samuels when he had only four runs to his name; cricket can be an unforgiving sport.
"Obviously there's pressure but you've just got to try and put it behind you and just watch the ball as hard as you can and play it accordingly," Guptill said.
The 30,268-strong crowd chanted his name as his innings progressed and he vindicated their decision to attend the game with a show-stopping performance; the second-highest one-day score of all.
It spanned 225 minutes, included 24 fours and 11 sixes. It was the seventh century of his ODI career but the most significant by some margin.
The West Indies bowlers dropped their heads as they couldn't find anything that resembled a good length and Guptill had a bat as his weapon and an eye that couldn't miss a trick.
- Daniel Richardson of NZME. News Service
