Gujarat Titans have been dealt a blow in their 2025 Indian Premier League campaign as New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has returned home due to a groin injury. The explosive right-handed batter and handy off-spin bowler will miss the remainder of the season, reducing the team’s overseas player pool and forcing the franchise to rethink their strategies for the matches ahead.
Phillips sustained the injury during a recent league game while he was fielding as a substitute. While attempting a throw from the deep, he appeared to pull up suddenly and showed visible signs of discomfort. Medical personnel rushed to attend to him, and though he was able to walk off the field, subsequent assessments confirmed that the injury was serious enough to rule him out for the rest of the IPL season.
The news comes as a disappointment not only for Gujarat Titans but also for fans of Phillips who were hoping to see the dynamic all-rounder in action in India’s most high-profile T20 competition. Though he had not featured in the Titans’ starting XI yet this season, his inclusion in the squad was considered a strategic one, providing depth with both bat and ball. Phillips is also an exceptional fielder and a capable backup wicketkeeper, adding to his value as a utility player.
Acquired at his base price during the 2025 IPL auction, Phillips was seen as a potential game-changer in the middle order. His recent form for New Zealand in international white-ball cricket, including strong showings in the Champions Trophy, had made him one to watch. The Titans’ management had reportedly been considering rotating him into the lineup in the latter stages of the league as part of their squad rotation plan.
With his departure, Gujarat Titans are left with just five overseas players — Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Karim Janat, and Gerald Coetzee. Coetzee is himself recovering from a minor injury, which could further stretch the resources of the Titans, especially in the coming weeks where fixture congestion begins to test squad depth.
Adding to their concerns, the Titans recently lost pacer Kagiso Rabada, who left the team to attend a family matter. The absence of two key overseas players in quick succession is not ideal for any team in the IPL, let alone one that is aiming to secure a top-two finish and advance deep into the playoffs.
Despite these setbacks, Gujarat Titans have performed admirably in the tournament so far. They have picked up four wins from their first five games and sit near the top of the points table. Their success has been driven by strong team performances and key contributions from Indian players, a sign that the domestic talent pool is holding up under pressure.
The franchise is expected to announce a replacement for Phillips soon, depending on availability and logistics. However, mid-season replacements often face challenges in adapting quickly to team strategies and match situations. The Titans may choose instead to rely on their existing squad and give more responsibility to local players.
Glenn Phillips’ exit is undoubtedly a blow, but Gujarat Titans remain optimistic about continuing their strong run. With capable leadership, smart planning, and a solid bench, they will be aiming to absorb the setback and continue pushing for another shot at IPL glory.
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