New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips recently shared a playful exchange he had with India’s rising star Shubman Gill during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Their interaction offered a glimpse into the camaraderie between international cricketers, even amidst high-stakes competitions. Phillips revealed that Gill jokingly questioned him about his apparent knack for catching players wielding MRF bats, sparking laughter during a team dinner ahead of their IPL 2025 clash between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings.
Glenn Phillips’ fielding was one of the highlights of the Champions Trophy, as he took spectacular catches to dismiss renowned players like Virat Kohli in the group stage and Gill himself in the final. Despite his heroics, the Black Caps fell short in the tournament’s finale, losing to India. Yet, the lighthearted banter with Gill remained a memorable takeaway for the Kiwi all-rounder.
Recalling the amusing moment, Glenn Phillips said, “Shubman came up to me and asked, ‘What’s your problem with MRF bats? It seems like anyone with an MRF bat hits it straight to you, and you never drop them.’ It was such a funny moment — he has a great sense of humor. We had a good chat at the team dinner. It’s nice to be on the same side now and not just see him scoring runs against us all the time.”
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Phillips also praised Gill for his humility and leadership qualities, describing him as a grounded individual despite his growing fame. “He has a big profile from an entertainment perspective, but as a person, he’s the opposite. He’s incredibly approachable, treats everyone equally, and has all the qualities of a great leader,” Glenn Phillips remarked.
Gill’s transition to the captaincy of Gujarat Titans has had its share of challenges. After leading the franchise to a modest eighth-place finish last season, there’s hope for a strong comeback this year. Phillips expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to lead Gujarat Titans to the playoffs for the first time since their remarkable debut season in 2022 when they clinched the title under Hardik Pandya.
“The way Gujarat played in their first two seasons was fantastic. Last season might not have gone their way, but it has nothing to do with the pressure on Shubman. He plays for India, and there’s no bigger pressure than that,” Glenn Phillips noted, backing Gill’s experience and resilience.
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Gujarat Titans kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 25 in Ahmedabad. As Gill takes the field as captain, fans are hopeful that the franchise can rediscover its winning formula and make a strong statement this season.
