'The Time Is Now': How Phillips turned a John Cena moment into India's nightmare

In a dramatic turn of events at Eden Park, New Zealand's Glenn Phillips turned a moment reminiscent of John Cena's entrance into the ring into a nightmare for the Indian bowlers. The spectacle unfolded during the fourth T20I match in Auckland on Friday. As Phillips strode to the crease following the dismissal of Daryl Mitchell, the DJ played the iconic "The Time Is Now" theme, a nod to the famous entrance music of the WWE superstar.

In a blistering display of power-hitting, Phillips dismantled the Indian attack, smashing a remarkable 107 runs off just 49 balls. His innings, which featured six fours and 10 sixes, propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 259/7. Phillips and his partner Michael Bracewell, who contributed 65 off just 25 balls, combined to add 115 runs in just 41 deliveries, accelerating New Zealand past the 200-run mark in the 16th over.

Phillips' aggressive batting style quickly established him as a formidable opponent for the Indian bowlers, who struggled in their attempts to contain the New Zealand batter. His timely century, achieved in just 46 balls, not only helped New Zealand post a competitive total but also brought their series tally to 87 runs, securing an 87-run win over India. This victory marked New Zealand's first win in the five-match series, narrowing the gap from their earlier 3-0 lead.

The former IPL player credited his time in the Indian Premier League for helping refine his batting technique. Despite a disappointing IPL 2026 season with Gujarat Titans, where he managed only 67 runs in six matches, Phillips acknowledged that the experience provided valuable lessons for his overall batting game. He specifically highlighted the challenging environment of the IPL, where limited playing time and competition from multiple overseas players necessitate a strong performance to stand out.

Phillips' batting performance was a standout moment in a series where New Zealand had already taken a 3-0 lead. His innings not only helped New Zealand pull one back but also demonstrated his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The 29-year-old's tally of 276 runs from four matches, including one century and two half-centuries, solidified his position as the leading run-scorer in the series.

In post-match interviews, Phillips expressed gratitude for the facilities and coaching support he received while playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He emphasized the importance of the lessons learned from that experience and the impact they have had on his current form. Phillips also reflected on his recent productive run in the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, where he scored 181 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 60, including a century.

His performance in this tournament further underscored his ability to adapt and excel across different formats and competitive environments.