It is a refreshing and, indeed, mature stance. Not one to be glossed over in today's lucrative market.

Martin Guptill doesn't need a supersized Indian Premier League cheque. Hold the fries, please. The belligerent opener isn't driven by the glitz, glam and Hollywood-style cricket on steroids. His focus is elsewhere, on greater goals.

Given his stellar form for near-untouchable Twenty20 leaders Auckland, who have lost once in eight matches, Guptill would be a prime target in next month's money-spinning IPL auction, where players around the globe are sold at extreme prices. Last year, India's Gautam Gambhir went for a record $2.4 million, while Black Caps captain Ross Taylor pocketed a cool $1m for 54 days' work.

Guptill, however, won't be putting his name forward. Not just this year, but in the foreseeable future, despite averaging 69.6 in seven innings this season, which included a New Zealand domestic record 120 not out from 60 balls.

Instead, he is intent on perfecting his craft at the pinnacle level.

Only then will he consider the sort of payday that bankrolls you for life.

While the 25-year-old has taken the shortened versions by the scruff, dominating attacks up and down the country, his test output remains frustrating. Too often Guptill appears set, only to waste solid starts at the top of the order with Brendon McCullum. In four bats against Australia last month his highest score was 16. Simply, he demands more consistent runs.

Considered one of New Zealand's brightest prospects, Guptill again links with English county Derbyshire, for who he scored 537 first-class runs in eight matches last year, spurning the IPL door-knocks that are likely to come his way.

"It's not all about money," Guptill said in determined fashion. "My priority is performing for New Zealand and it's going to be that way right throughout my career.

"I've had more success in the shorter forms and I'm looking to get my test game back up to scratch. That's the reason for going to England and not putting my name in the IPL auction.

"My test game isn't quite there yet. Only first-class cricket is going to improve that. If I can nail my test game then down the track I may put my hand up for the IPL auction."

It is easy to see Guptill's rationale. All-out onslaughts may entertain, but they don't lay foundations to succeed in the longest form. Patience, persistence, sound technique and the unflinching ability to leave the ball and bat for time are foreign to the T20 portfolio.

That should not detract from sacrificing such a profitable venture. So next time Guptill raises his willow in the whites, applaud not just that milestone, but the vision and resolute attitude which delivered success.

Guptill, meanwhile, appears for finals-bound Auckland against Otago in Dunedin today, while Canterbury host Wellington in the penultimate T20 round.