New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips called the opportunity to write another chapter of history in India “pretty cool,” but he emphasized that his team would rely more on process and flexibility than emotion as they aim for a rare white-ball series victory against a formidable host.
In October 2024, New Zealand secured a 3-0 clean sweep after their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988, making history as the first touring team to win in India in 69 years.
Although Phillips cautioned against making direct comparisons between red-ball success and the difficulty that lies ahead in the limited-over format, he acknowledged that accomplishment served as a quiet source of inspiration.
“Opportunities to make history are very few and far between and they’re pretty cool. But focusing on that doesn’t really help with anything. As professionals, we try to treat every moment like any other day,” PTI quoted Phillips as saying on the eve of the series-deciding game in Indore on Sunday.
Despite recent victories in Test series, Phillips emphasized the difficulty of white-ball cricket.
“India is a very tough place to play and they are an incredible side. A white-ball series here is completely different and very few teams have managed to do that,” he said.
Phillips reiterated New Zealand’s strategy, stating that staying in the present was still crucial.
“For us it’s about taking every game one step at a time, trying to be where our feet are and putting out our best performance every time we show up,” he said.
Regarding the conditions at the Holkar Stadium, Phillips believed that, given the existing playing rules, dew could be a key factor later in the evening.
“With the humidity around, it could get pretty wet as the air cools down. Keeping only one ball after 34 overs changes the dynamic — it can get softer and heavier,” he noted.
According to Phillips, flexibility would once more be essential given Indore’s reputation as a high-scoring site and its comparatively smaller limits.
“The pitch looks fantastic and traditionally it’s been a bit of a run-fest here, but every surface behaves differently. Anyone who says they know exactly what the pitch will do a day before is probably talking rubbish.”
According to Phillips, New Zealand will continue to prioritize execution over occasion because conditions are expected to change swiftly.
“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.
Phillips, who is considered as one of the most athletic fielders in international cricket, claimed that his ability to catch was mostly a result of his attitude and determination to give the team his all.
“It mostly comes down to attitude and being willing to throw myself around for the team. I’ve probably been given a bit of a gift genetically to be able to dive and be athletic, and it’s my responsibility to use that,” he said, while admitting luck also played its part.
When asked to select his best catches, Phillips stated that it was difficult to decide between diving attempts to remove Ollie Pope or Marius Louw in New Zealand and dismissing Marcus Stoinis during the World Cup in Australia.
Phillips downplayed the controversy around comparisons to India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
“It’s pretty hard to judge fielders. It all depends on the opportunities you’re given,” he said, adding that he was happy to let others draw comparisons.
