Udaipur, April 13, 2025: Glenn Phillips last played in the IPL on May 21, 2023. In the 2024 season, he had to sit on the bench for the entire tournament while he was with Sunrisers Hyderabad. This year, the same thing happened even after he signed with Gujarat Titans. Although Gujarat has played 5 matches so far, Phillips did not get a chance in the playing XI. What a cruel twist of fate — the New Zealand star's IPL journey ended while he was off the field.

Phillips Misses IPL Action for Second Year in a Row

Despite joining the IPL for two consecutive seasons, Glenn Phillips did not get a chance to play a single match! What a cruel joke of cricket for a ‘game changer’ like him.

Injury Strikes During Fielding Duty

Phillips came on as a substitute fielder during Gujarat Titans’ match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6. He entered the field at the end of the fifth over, but while fielding the ball on the fourth delivery of the sixth over, he injured his groin. He threw the ball to the wicketkeeper and then sat down in pain, holding his groin. His face clearly showed discomfort. He limped off the field soon after. According to a statement from Gujarat Titans, Phillips has returned home because of the injury.

A True All-Rounder Missed Again

Phillips is known for his all-round abilities – batting, bowling, and fielding. He has taken some brilliant catches in his eight-year international career. His fielding in the last Champions Trophy was especially impressive.

In T20s, his strike rate is over 140. Though a part-time bowler, he often takes wickets at crucial times. Despite all this, Sunrisers Hyderabad didn’t use him last season and chose Aiden Markram instead.

Rutherford Takes His Place in the Playing XI

This season, Caribbean left-hander Sherfane Rutherford has taken Phillips' place in the Gujarat Titans squad. However, the Gujarat team management can’t be blamed. Rutherford has scored 136 runs in 5 innings with an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 178.94. Clearly, he is performing well.

Will Gujarat Find a Replacement for Phillips?

It is not yet clear whether Gujarat will name a replacement for Phillips. He is the second overseas player to leave the squad this season. Earlier, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada also left the team due to personal reasons. It’s uncertain whether he will return.

Only Five Foreign Players Left in Gujarat Squad

The 2023 IPL champions Gujarat Titans now have just five overseas players remaining: Jos Buttler, Sherfane Rutherford, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, and Karim Janat. According to IPL rules, a team can have a maximum of eight foreign players in the squad.