An attacking right-handed wicket-keeper batsman, Glenn Phillips, is widely tipped as one of the next generation batsmen from the Antipodes nation. Having made his List A debut in 2015, Phillips shone for his Auckland franchise during that season's domestic Twenty20 competition, making a 32-ball 55 on debut against Otago. He ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer for Auckland, piling up 369 runs while at it. That ensured a call-up to the national U-19 team, for the 2016 World Cup.

Phillips' climb to the top of the ladder was swift and made his first-class debut during the 2016-17 season. His ability to score quickly was noticed and the batsman made his Twenty20 debut for New Zealand, against South Africa, in 2017. Known for his high-backlight and sprightly fielding, Phillips got plenty of opportunities in various T20 leagues across the globe. His record in the CPL in his debut season (2017) is nothing short of exceptional as he racked up 457 runs at 41.54 with a strike rate of 146.94.

Besides exhibiting great skill and consistency in the T20 leagues, Phillips also made the most of his opportunities for the New Zealand A side. His 64-ball 104 against Sri Lanka, at the SCG, during the 2022 T20 World Cup spoke volumes about the talent the pocket rocket has. A few months later (May 2023), Phillips smoked a 7-ball 25 (that included 3 sixes and one four) against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, to turn the tables and help his team (SRH) record an unbelievable win.

Phillips played all of New Zealand’s games in the 2023 ODI World Cup as well, scoring 285 runs to help his side reach the semi-final where they were eliminated by India. Post that, Phillips was in demand for the Test team as well, playing nearly all the Tests for New Zealand since being re-selected for the tour to Bangladesh in late 2023.

He has been used as a number seven batter, who doubles up as a handy off spinner while playing in the sub continent. Phillips has carved a nice niche for himself as a middle order batter in this New Zealand Test team, often forging valuable runs with the tailenders in home and away games. He has also been deployed as a specialist gully or backward point fielder, taking plenty of screamers for the Kiwis in that position. Phillips was an integral part of the away whitewash of India in October, 2024 - picking 8 wickets and scoring 114 runs.

A gun fielder in the outfield, Phillips continues to remain an X-factor player for the Kiwis who could kill the game in a matter of minutes with his incredible ball-striking ability.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy