“There is never a great tournament with the bat with him” – Simon Doull on Glenn Phillips after GT vs KKR IPL 2026 match

Originally posted on Cricfit | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 5:23 AM ET

Former New Zealand player Simon Doull said that Gujarat Titans (GT) batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been a huge disappointment in the IPL throughout his career. Doull said that 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 a win, he scored around a 16-ball 19 before falling in the final over with four runs still required. Phillips is averaging only 20.33 at a strike rate of 132.60 in five games so far this season.

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.”

“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 added.

“His captaincy is just evolving all the time” – Simon Doull applauds Shubman Gill

Simon Doull applauded GT captain Shubman Gill as one of the best batters to watch as well. Gill also led GT’s successful run-chase of 181 against KKR with a stunning 50-ball 86, including 8 fours and 4 maximums.

“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,” again said Doull.

“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,” Simon Doull concluded.

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

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