NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded Glenn Phillips' explosive skill set, suggesting that the upcoming T20 World Cup - and potentially the IPL - could prove to be the defining phase of the New Zealand batter's career.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin heaped praise on Phillips after his counter-attacking knock in the opening T20I against India. Phillips smashed a 40-ball 78, injecting life into New Zealand's chase and briefly swinging momentum their way.
His third-wicket stand of 79 with Mark Chapman gave the visitors genuine hope of pulling off a surprise result.
Ashwin highlighted Phillips' raw power and match-changing ability, noting that the aggressive batter has all the tools needed to leave a lasting imprint on the shortest format if he continues to deliver on big stages.
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"He picked Varun's (Chakravarthy) googlies and hit them for six. He hit Axar (Patel). He has a lot of power. In NZ recently, he turned to being a left-handed batter and was hitting left- arm spinners (during the domestic tournament Super Smash). He has a lot of ability. It is about time and this T20 WC and IPL could be when Phillips puts his mark on the game," Ashwin said.
During the game, Phillips etched his name into New Zealand's T20I history by becoming only the fourth Kiwi batter to cross the 2,000-run mark in the format.
In 84 T20Is, spanning 75 innings, Phillips has amassed 2,007 runs at an impressive average of 31.85 and a strike rate in excess of 142. His tally includes two centuries and 11 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 108, numbers that place him among New Zealand's most impactful T20I batters.
What truly sets Phillips apart, however, is his all-round value. A spectacular fielder, a handy off-spin option and a capable wicketkeeper, he offers New Zealand a rare four-dimensional package in the shortest format.
