New Zealand’s cricketer Glenn Phillips expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to make history in India, but emphasized the importance of a focused approach as his team looks to achieve a rare white-ball series victory against the formidable hosts. This comes on the heels of a historic Test series triumph in October 2024, where New Zealand became the first team to sweep a Test series in India in 69 years, winning 3-0 and marking their first Test win on Indian soil since 1988.
Phillips acknowledges this achievement as a source of inspiration but cautioned against drawing parallels between the red-ball victories and the challenges posed in the limited-overs format. He stated, “Opportunities to make history are very few and far between… But focusing on that doesn’t really help with anything.” Ahead of the series-deciding match, which will take place on Sunday, Phillips stressed that as professionals, maintaining a steady mindset is crucial.
The challenges of playing white-ball cricket in India are significant, and Phillips highlighted the difficulty despite the team’s recent successes in the Test arena, remarking, “India is a very tough place to play and they are an incredible side.” He pointed out that series victories in white-ball formats are a rarity, with few teams managing to achieve that on Indian soil.
Phillips outlined New Zealand’s strategy, which revolves around taking each game as it comes and focusing on execution. “For us, it’s about taking every game one step at a time,” he said. He also discussed the playing conditions at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, noting how dew could affect the game as temperatures drop in the evening, which could alter the ball’s performance after 34 overs.
With the Holkar Stadium being known for its high-scoring matches, Phillips acknowledged the need for adaptability, stressing that every pitch behaves differently and it’s crucial to adjust to the evolving circumstances. “If we do what we do best and adapt to whatever’s in front of us, hopefully that gives us the best chance of a good result,” he added.
As one of the most skilled fielders in international cricket, Phillips attributed his exceptional catching ability to his mindset and dedication. He remarked it comes down to attitude and a willingness to give everything for the team, while also crediting a bit of genetic luck for his agility. Reflecting on his best catches, he mentioned memorable moments from matches against prominent players.
When it comes to comparisons with Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Phillips took a humble approach, stating that judging fielders depends heavily on the opportunities they receive and expressing his preference to leave such comparisons to others.
As New Zealand gears up for this critical match, the team’s focus on a disciplined and tactical approach may be the key to unlocking further historical achievements in Indian cricket.