
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has returned to the gym after recovering from the side strain he sustained during the second Test of the three-match series against England in June, sharing an intense workout video in which he effortlessly lifts heavy weights.
Phillips was one of the key architects of New Zealand's 2-1 Test series triumph over England, starring with a maiden Test century in the second game at The Oval and making valuable contributions with the bat as the Black Caps bounced back to clinch the series. Across four innings, the 29-year-old scored 181 runs, including a century, at an average of 60.33.
Glenn Phillips is not part of the ongoing The Hundred 2026 after going unsold in the inaugural player auction earlier this year. The New Zealand cricketer has instead been using the break to focus on his fitness, regaining full strength after his side strain.
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips is often known for his athleticism and dynamic fielding on the cricket field, where he consistently pulls off breathtaking catches and sharp run-outs. However, the 29-year-old’s latest social media upload demonstrates that his incredible athleticism is backed by extraordinary raw power.
In a video posted on his official Instagram handle, Phillips can be seen lifting heavy weights, successfully completing a nearly 200kg deadlift while wearing a weightlifting belt. The deadlift is part of his rehabilitation following the side strain he sustained during the second Test against England.
In another video posted by the New Zealand cricketer, he can be seen taking on an equally challenging heavy squat session, further highlighting his relentless drive and commitment to building peak physical strength during his recovery period. Phillips first did a light warm-up set to test his range of motion before loading up the barbell for the heavy 200kg lift.
Glenn Phillips' physique has been a talking point among cricket fans for several years, with the all-rounder widely regarded as one of the fittest players in the game. His explosive power, agility, and athleticism have translated into stunning fielding displays, taking catches as if gravity barely applies to him.
His latest gym videos offer a glimpse into the immense strength behind those spectacular efforts, emphasising the intense training regimen that has made Phillips one of the most athletic cricketers in world cricket.
The viral videos of New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips' near-200kg deadlift and 200kg squat sparked massive reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts left stunned by his extraordinary strength.
Taking to their X handles, many fans hailed Phillips as the ‘Popeye of cricket,’ while others joked that he could compete in Olympic weightlifting. Several users credited his extraordinary strength for his explosive batting, sensational fielding, and all-round athleticism.
Some were left in disbelief that a cricketer could lift such enormous weights with apparent ease, while others said the videos perfectly explained why Phillips is regarded as one of the best fielders in world cricket. A few even joked that he is not just a batter and bowler but also a weightlifter, pilot, and wicketkeeper.
Glen Phillips is the Popeye of cricketing world 🔥🔥🔥
— Dev vora (@Devvora15) July 31, 2026
In olympics he can participate in weight lifting along with cricket 😭😭
— सो ऽहम् (@Sohamwebreathe) July 31, 2026
Omg I didn't expect it from glenn philips,
It showing the physical fitness of glenn philips sir.— RAVINAMA (@RAVINAMA78) July 31, 2026
He is one of the best fielder in the World for a reason. Apart from that he is a part time batter, bowler, wicket-keeper, pilot & weightlifter etc. He just kept us surprising with his new skills every now & then.
— Narendra Rawat (@narendrarawat96) July 31, 2026
Is he a cricketer or training for the World Weightlifting Championship? 😄💪
200kg deadlifts and squats are absolutely insane!— Intent Merchant (@IntentMerchant0) July 31, 2026
Forget deadlifts... He can even fly. 😂 pic.twitter.com/328T8gGDWY
— BhaIndiStani (@BhaIndiStani) July 31, 2026
Last time I checked, the cricket ball or even the cricket bat don’t weigh that much. Is he training to pick up his teammates for no reason? https://t.co/U14mx3b6LT
— Shelly (@shellyofflimits) July 31, 2026
Glenn Phillips stacking serious iron – 200kg deadlifts and squats is elite gym work. That raw power explains those monstrous sixes. 💪
— Dead Guru (@PAPA_JI_4141) July 31, 2026
He is a beast onside & offside ... everywhere 🔥
— Raman Jha (@RamanRjha4647) July 31, 2026
Glenn Phillips is expected to return to action in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), starting on August 8, after being signed by the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The all-rounder was ruled out of the ODI series against West Indies due to a side strain.
Also Read: Glenn Phillips' maiden Test ton an emotional tribute to his late father
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