Glenn Phillips credits Gujarat Titans IPL stint after century in Auckland fourth T20I
Glenn Phillips credited his time with Gujarat Titans for his form after New Zealand defeated India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Auckland on October 30, 2026, with Phillips making 107.
New Zealand posted 259 for 7 in 20 overs while India finished 172 for 9 in 20 overs, the visitors winning by 87 runs in the fourth T20I. Phillips has been the leading run-scorer in the series with 276 runs in four matches at an average of 92, a tally that includes one century and two half-centuries.
Phillips acknowledged that his 2026 IPL stint with Gujarat Titans, despite limited game time, contributed to his preparation. He featured in only six matches for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026, scoring 67 runs with a highest score of 25, but said the experience offered benefits beyond match runs. "The IPL is a certain beast of its own and the balance of teams being one of eight overseas (players) with only four spots (in the eleven) makes it quite tough. So, if you don't go out there and set the world on fire, there's always another person waiting in line," Phillips said during the post-match press conference.
He expanded on what he took from the franchise environment, citing training resources and coaching as useful even when not in the playing XI. "At Gujarat, I was very lucky to have some unbelievable facilities, some great coaches and plenty of time to work (on his batting). I also showed in England as well, being able to have volume (of runs) under the belt, whether it's red ball or white ball. "Yes, you'd love to score runs in the IPL and, you know, make a load of cash, and that would be fantastic. But also, there are a lot of learnings that you can take from that place, whether you're playing or not. I think that is also on each individual who is at the IPL or at any other tournament, to be able to make the most out of where they go," he added.
Phillips pointed to form carried from earlier in the year, referencing his performance in England. He scored 181 runs across four innings at an average of 60, including a century, in the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy as New Zealand won the series 2-1. The article notes that England's defeat in that series signalled the end of the Brendon McCullum-inspired Bazball era.
Phillips also addressed not taking the field during India's run chase, saying his absence was precautionary after feeling discomfort. "I think it's just a little bit of stiffness that I felt early on in the innings. But it felt a lot better as we ran through the game, and I think it was more precautionary rather than risking an injury this early on in the season," he said.
On New Zealand's innings and team performance, Phillips said the visitors knew a big total was required and enjoyed batting alongside Michael Bracewell. "Yeah, it was a lot of fun also being at the other end while (Michael) Bracewell was going bananas. Obviously, crazy things happen at Eden Park all the time, and it was a fantastic pitch. Obviously, you need a tonne of runs to even have a sniff of beating India," he said.
The victory avoided a series whitewash for New Zealand, and Phillips added: "So, it's for us to be able to put that sort of score on the board today. I guess it'll give us confidence going forward that we can get a score of that size, and it's our first time being up in that 250 range," Phillips added.
