Auckland: New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips has credited his experience with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for helping him improve his game and deliver consistent performances against India in the ongoing T20I series. Despite getting limited opportunities during IPL 2026, Phillips said the facilities, coaching support and time available to work on his batting made the stint valuable.
Phillips made the comments after producing a match-winning 107 off 49 balls in the fourth T20I against India at Eden Park on October 30. His century helped New Zealand register an 87-run victory, ending India’s winning run in the five-match series.
The 29-year-old has emerged as the leading run-scorer in the series, accumulating 276 runs from four matches at an average of 92. His tally includes one century and two half-centuries.
The performance in Auckland was his third century in T20 internationals and played a major role in New Zealand’s recovery after losing the first three matches. Phillips believes the IPL experience contributed to his development, even though his individual batting returns in the tournament were modest.
Phillips explains the value of his IPL experience
Phillips acknowledged that the IPL is an intensely competitive tournament, particularly for overseas players. Each franchise can have several international players in its squad, but only four overseas cricketers can be included in the playing XI.
He explained that the competition for places makes it difficult for overseas players to secure regular opportunities. A player may have to wait for a chance, with another international cricketer ready to take the place if performances do not meet expectations.
“The IPL is a certain beast of its own,” Phillips said, describing the challenges of competing for a place in a franchise team.
He added that the limited number of overseas spots means players must make the most of the opportunities available to them. Even when they are not selected for matches, they can learn from the environment, coaching staff and other players.
For Phillips, the experience with Gujarat Titans was useful beyond the runs he scored during the tournament. He said the franchise provided excellent facilities, experienced coaches and sufficient time to work on his batting.
“At Gujarat, I was very lucky to have some unbelievable facilities, some great coaches and plenty of time to work on my batting,” he said.
His comments underline how a player’s contribution to personal development during a franchise tournament cannot always be measured through match appearances or statistics.
Limited opportunities with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026
Phillips did not have a particularly productive IPL 2026 campaign in terms of batting returns. He appeared in six matches for Gujarat Titans and scored 67 runs, with 25 being his highest individual score.
Those numbers were considerably lower than his performances in the ongoing international series against India. However, the New Zealand batter said the value of his IPL stint extended beyond his individual scores.
The IPL brings together international players, specialist coaches and high-performance facilities. For a player such as Phillips, the opportunity to train in that environment can provide technical and tactical lessons even when he is not part of the playing XI.
He also pointed out that players need to take responsibility for making the most of the opportunities available to them, whether they are participating in the IPL or another tournament.
Phillips said players naturally want to score runs and enjoy the financial rewards associated with the competition. However, he believes the learning experience can be equally important.
His assessment offers an insight into the benefits of franchise cricket for international players who may not receive regular match time but still gain access to a highly competitive training environment.
Strong performances against India in the T20I series
Phillips’ comments came after a series in which he has consistently troubled India’s bowling attack. His 276 runs from four matches at an average of 92 have made him the leading batter of the contest.
The highlight was his 107-run innings in the fourth T20I. Phillips struck six fours and 10 sixes, helping New Zealand post 259/7 in 20 overs.
Michael Bracewell also played a major role in the innings, scoring 65 from 25 deliveries. His aggressive contribution helped New Zealand accelerate towards the end and put India under pressure with a target of 260.
India were unable to build a successful chase after losing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the opening over. Jacob Duffy took four wickets for 23 runs, while Mitchell Santner and Matthew Fisher also contributed with the ball.
India eventually finished at 172/9, giving New Zealand an 87-run victory. The result reduced India’s series lead to 3-1, although the visitors had already secured the series by winning the first three matches.
Phillips’ century was central to New Zealand’s first victory of the contest and demonstrated the impact of his current form.
Crowe-Thorpe Trophy also helped Phillips build momentum
Phillips also referred to his performances in England earlier in the year as part of the preparation that helped him maintain his batting rhythm.
He scored 181 runs across four innings in the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, averaging around 60 and recording a century. New Zealand won the series 2-1.
The batter said having a substantial volume of runs behind him, whether in red-ball or white-ball cricket, was beneficial.
The experience of playing in different conditions and formats can help a batter develop confidence and adapt to varying demands. Phillips’ performances in England, followed by his strong run against India, have provided evidence of his ability to carry form across competitions.
His remarks also suggest that he views development as a continuous process rather than something determined by a single tournament.
Phillips clarifies why he did not field against India
Phillips also addressed his absence from the field during India’s innings in the fourth T20I.
The New Zealand batter said he experienced some stiffness and cramps during the match. However, he indicated that the decision not to field was precautionary and intended to avoid the risk of a more serious injury.
He explained that the stiffness improved as the match progressed and that the team preferred to be cautious at this early stage of the season.
The clarification came after his important contribution with the bat had raised questions about his fitness. His comments suggested that the decision was taken as a preventive measure rather than because of a serious injury.
New Zealand take confidence from high-scoring performance
Phillips also discussed New Zealand’s approach to batting against India. He said the team understood that a substantial total would be required to challenge India’s strong batting line-up, particularly on the batting-friendly Eden Park surface.
He enjoyed watching Michael Bracewell’s aggressive innings from the other end and said the team’s ability to reach the 250-run mark would provide confidence.
New Zealand’s total of 259/7 was their highest against India in T20I cricket. The performance demonstrated the value of building a large cushion of runs before defending against a powerful batting side.
The fourth T20I victory gave New Zealand an opportunity to finish the series on a positive note after three consecutive defeats. The fifth and final match is scheduled for November 1 in Hamilton.
For Phillips, the series has been a significant personal success. His explanation of the Gujarat Titans experience also highlights how time spent in the IPL can contribute to a player’s development even without regular appearances.