New Zealand cricketer Glenn Phillips has seen his popularity soar after a video of him practising take-offs and landings at Ardmore Aerodrome went viral recently.In the 32-second clip, Phillips — regarded as one of the most dynamic fielders in world cricket — is seen deftly landing a small aircraft on the runway.New Zealand cricketer Glenn Phillips takes to the skies. Flying and landing an aircraft in Auckland pic.twitter.com/ZOjtYoTUZ3— P Connect (@ConnectingPak) March 18, 2026He earned his Private Pilot Licence in September, having taken up flying while recovering from a groin injury earlier this year.“It’s a huge passion of mine. If I weren’t playing cricket and I had all the money in the world growing up, I probably would have ended up being a pilot,” he said in an interview. “I love being in the air. I love all the procedures around being a pilot — the radio communications — but most of all, just handling the plane itself.”Phillips recently shared the video of him flying and landing near Auckland, drawing widespread attention online.Now a certified pilot, he continues to pursue aviation alongside cricket and fitness. Ardmore Aerodrome is where he often flies small aircraft, including a Cessna seen in the video. Friends say that when Phillips is away from the cricket field, he is frequently found at the aerodrome.Widely regarded as one of the best fielders among the current crop of international cricketers, Phillips has built a strong fan following with his athletic dives, saves and near-impossible catches.“If push comes to shove, and I still need to work, piloting would be my first option on the list,” he added.