Guptill finally makes it to IPL, named as replacement for Simmons at MI

New Zealand's run machine Martin Guptill will finally get a chance to showcase his skills in the Indian Premier League. The in-form opener was called up by defending champions Mumbai Indians as a replacement for the injured Lendl Simmons.

Simmons was ruled out of the rest of the T20 tournament following a back injury, paving the way for Guptill's inclusion in the league after the Kiwi opener had shockingly gone unsold during the IPL Players' Auction in February despite being listed as one of the marquee players.

"The journey begins. Excited to be heading to India to be with @mipaltan ! Great job on the win tonight! #3Flights," Guptill tweeted before boarding his flight.

One of the world's best batsmen in the limited overs format, Guptill has been in the form of his life since the 2015 World Cup in which he hit a double century, an amazing 237 not out against the West Indies in Wellington to create the record for the highest score in World Cup history. He was the highest run scorer in the World Cup, scoring 547 runs in nine matches.