“I don’t understand how no IPL team went for him” - Ex-selector on New Zealand all-rounder

Former Indian batter and commentator Kris Srikkanth has lauded the New Zealand middle-order batter Glenn Phillips, who scored an exceptional 106-run knock against India in the third ODI in Indore.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth went on to heap praises on Phillips for his 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell and Phillips propelled New Zealand’s score to 337/8 in 50 overs as visitors bagged a comfortable 41-run in the third ODI to seal the series 2-1.

"No. 5 is the position for Glenn Phillips and he equally played well in the previous game. He didn’t play in the V and stuck to playing in long-on, mid-on and mid-off. Phillips did play the short-pitched delivery to mid-wicket but hit sixes straight. The wicket was superb and the ball was coming on well, so it was pinging off the bat," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Additionally, the former selector Srikkanth also felt that the New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell’s cameo of an 18-ball 28-run unbeaten knock was one of the key reasons behind the BlackCaps posting more than 330 runs in 50 overs. 

"Michael Bracewell’s knock was crucial too and it was the reason New Zealand jumped from 300 to 330. He hit sixes effortlessly. I don’t understand how no IPL team went for him. Bracewell couldn’t bowl due to some injury but I have no idea how no IPL team went for him. I don’t understand how IPL teams select their players," he added.

While India bagged a comfortable four-wicket win in the first ODI, they went on to suffer a seven-wicket defeat in the second ODI. In the third and final ODI in Indore, India suffered a 41-run defeat to lose the series 1-2.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!