IPL 2025: Glenn Phillips reveals his dream job and it's not cricket

IPL 2025: New Zealand and Gujarat Titans all-rounder Glenn Phillips has always been known for his versatility -- whether it's with the bat, ball, or his acrobatics in the field. But beyond cricket, Phillips has another dream that takes him to the skies.

If given a choice, he would rather be a pilot than a cricketer, a passion he has held since childhood. Speaking ahead of his maiden season with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, Phillips opened up about his love for aviation, revealing that flying has always fascinated him.

"Yeah, it's a huge passion of mine. If I wasn't playing cricket and I had all the money in the world growing up, I probably would have ended up being a pilot, to be fair. I love being in the air," he told PTI.

Glenn Phillips has even had hands-on experience flying a two-seater Cessna 152 aircraft, but his busy cricketing schedule has limited him to simulators for now. While cricket currently takes priority, he hasn't ruled out a future in aviation once his playing days are over.

"I guess if it comes down to wanting to do something that I enjoy after cricket... piloting would be my first option on the list," he shared. His admiration for aviation extends beyond just the thrill of flying-he finds the procedures, radio communications, and overall discipline of being a pilot equally intriguing.

Phillips has built a reputation for being one of the most dynamic fielders in modern cricket, pulling off spectacular catches that leave fans in awe. While some of his remarkable grabs have been witnessed in the Champions Trophy and various leagues around the world, he believes fielding success is a blend of natural talent and relentless effort.

"I think there is definitely a huge piece of it that comes down to genetics from a speed and agility perspective. So, I guess you can say a little bit naturally gifted, but at the end of the day, talent and natural gifts can only get you so far," he explained. "The other half of it is working my butt off to try and be able to cover all my bases."

Despite taking some breathtaking catches, including his stunning dismissals of Mohammad Rizwan and Shubman Gill, Glenn Phillips has his own personal favorites. "I would probably say Marcus Stoinis at the SCG in the T20 World Cup (2022). That one was pretty good, covered a lot of ground, full dive." He also recalled a spectacular grab for Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast and a diving effort to dismiss Ollie Pope in Test cricket as his most memorable moments.

Phillips' approach to cricket has been shaped by his experiences in other sports. He credits golf, archery, and padel for sharpening his skills and mental approach. "Other sports give you an insight into not only mindset, but I guess using other parts of your body that hopefully you can use coming back into the cricket arena," he noted.

Whether it's finding patience through golf, learning precision through archery, or adapting to new challenges in padel, Phillips sees immense value in cross-training. "If I'm learning to play spin or learning to play a different shot, the ability to try and learn things as fast as possible goes a long way, especially in the professional game."

As he prepares for IPL 2025 with Gujarat Titans, Phillips remains committed to excelling on the cricket field. However, his long-term dreams of flying high -- both figuratively and literally -- ensure that his journey is one to watch, both on and off the pitch.