The Gujarat Titans (GT) have faced a fresh blow in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as their explosive New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips has been ruled out due to a groin injury — before he could even feature in a single match for the team this season.
Who is Glenn Phillips?
Glenn Phillips is a well-known New Zealand cricketer, famous for his power-hitting in the middle order and his brilliant fielding skills. He’s considered a valuable asset in T20 cricket because he can adapt to different situations, score quickly, and is extremely sharp in the field.
The Gujarat Titans signed him for his ability to strengthen their middle order and contribute as a part-time bowler or fielder — but unfortunately, luck didn’t favor him this season.
How Did the Injury Happen?
- The injury took place on April 6, 2025, during a match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
- Phillips wasn’t part of the playing XI. Instead, he came on as a substitute fielder after the fifth over of SRH’s innings.
- Just four balls after entering the field, Phillips sprinted to collect the ball in the deep and attempted a quick throw back to the stumps.
- As he completed the throw, he suddenly grabbed his groin area in pain and dropped to the ground.
- GT’s medical and support staff immediately rushed onto the field to assist him, and he was helped off the ground.
This moment made it clear the injury was serious, and further checks confirmed the worst — Phillips would not be able to recover quickly enough to play in the tournament.
Official Statement from Gujarat Titans
A day after the injury, GT released an official statement confirming the development:
“Glenn Phillips has returned to New Zealand following a groin injury he sustained during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6. We wish Glenn a speedy recovery.”
This confirmed that he would take no further part in IPL 2025.
Impact on Gujarat Titans’ Squad
This injury leaves Gujarat Titans in a slightly tricky spot, especially when it comes to their overseas player options. Phillips wasn’t the only player the Titans lost this season:
- Kagiso Rabada, their world-class South African fast bowler, had already left the squad earlier in the season due to personal reasons.
- Now with Glenn Phillips out injured, the team is left short-handed, especially when it comes to international backup players.
So far, the Titans have not announced replacements for either Phillips or Rabada, which means their squad depth is under pressure as the season progresses.
How Is GT Performing Despite the Setbacks?
Surprisingly, the team has handled these losses extremely well so far. Even without Rabada and Phillips, Gujarat Titans are topping the IPL 2025 points table with 4 wins out of 5 matches.
Their local players and the remaining overseas stars have stepped up to keep the momentum going, but injuries like this could cause trouble later in the season if more gaps appear.
What’s Next for Gujarat Titans?
GT’s next match is against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 26 of the IPL 2025 season.
- Date: April 26, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
Fans will be watching closely to see if GT can maintain their strong start, even with two key overseas players missing from the squad.
Summary: Why This is a Big Setback
- Glenn Phillips was signed for his aggressive batting and fielding skills.
- He didn’t get to play even one match this season before suffering a groin injury as a substitute fielder.
- Phillips returned to New Zealand for recovery, officially ruled out.
- Kagiso Rabada, another important overseas player, had also exited the squad earlier.
- Gujarat Titans have not named replacements for either player yet.
- Despite the issues, GT remains at the top of the points table.
- Their next challenge is against LSG in Match 26 of IPL 2025.