Former New Zealand pace bowler Simon Doull believes Gujarat Titans (GT) batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been performing poorly in the IPL throughout his career. Doull’s comments came after Phillips struggled with the bat in GT’s thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 17 as well.
With GT reaching towards victory, Phillips scratched around for a 16-ball 19 before falling in the final over with only four runs still needed. However, Phillips is averaging only 20.33, which came at a strike rate of 132.60 in five games this season as well.
Simon Doull said on Cricbuzz’s post-match show: “The run rate is the problem. They are struggling to get going when they do get an opportunity. Phillips really struggled, and it just looks like there is never a great tournament with the bat with him. What he has shown in New Zealand colors, we’ve never seen in this tournament. They’ve got issues there, but they’ve won three in a row.”
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“The only worry for GT is a 220-230 game on a really good pitch. When you are chasing that kind of score, numbers 1 to 6 have to perform. Do they have the ability to get 65 off the last five overs with Sundar, Phillips, Tewatia, and Shahrukh when the top three have put them in a position where they are 170 with five to go? There are teams in the competition capable of getting 65 in the final five. Are they one of them? That is my only issue with them,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Simon Doull also applauded GT captain Shubman Gill as one of the best batters to watch as well. The stylish batter also led GT’s successful run-chase of 181 against KKR with a sublime 50-ball 86, including eight boundaries and four sixes.
“He’s aesthetically pleasing and such a beautiful cricketer to watch. When he scores through the offside, I know we love watching Virat Kohli’s cover drive, but I love this guy’s just about as much. It is silky smooth, especially when he stands tall. When he’s going well, the one thing Shubman needs is a really good pitch with some bounce. The pace and the bounce assist the way he plays. He times the ball as well as anyone,” said Doull again.
“He understands his role is runs. His captaincy is just evolving all the time. He has high-quality people around him in GT. If Shubman is bouncing ideas off Hayden, it’s showing as he, like Haydos, has a presence at the crease when standing tall. Runs are his currency, and if he ends up with a 550 to 600-run season, they are going to do pretty well,” he concluded.
