Cricket

Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has expressed confidence that Glenn Maxwell's disappointing 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign will not affect his performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Maxwell, who played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), had a tough season, scoring only 52 runs in nine innings at an average of 5.78 and a strike rate of 120.93.Despite his poor IPL form, Maxwell played a significant role in Australia's recent 2023 ODI World Cup triumph. The Australian team and fans are hopeful that he will replicate his success in the T20 World Cup, a format he excels in.Khawaja, speaking to the West Australian, dismissed concerns about Maxwell's IPL form, emphasizing his proven track record and resilience. "The IPL form is absolutely irrelevant. Maxy’s proven himself time and time again. Any player who’s performed over a long period of time understands that you can’t perform well every time you go out there," Khawaja said.Khawaja highlighted the challenges of T20 cricket, especially for middle-order batsmen who often have to take risks. He believes Maxwell is just one good innings away from returning to his best form. "But (for this tournament) if he gets one good innings, he’s away. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. He’s not going to change his game and nor should he. Just keep going. He’ll find it," the veteran opener added.While Maxwell's batting impact for RCB was minimal, he did contribute with the ball, taking six wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.50 and an economy of 8.06. He bowled a crucial spell of 1-25 in RCB's must-win encounter against Chennai Super Kings, helping secure a playoff spot.Maxwell's ability to adapt and perform on slow Caribbean surfaces will be vital for Australia in the T20 World Cup. His experience and versatility as an all-rounder could provide the edge Australia needs in the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell's dismal IPL 2024 campaign ended with a disappointing duck, leaving him with a meager 52 runs from nine innings. This slump has raised concerns about his form ahead of the T20 World Cup, where he is expected to play a pivotal role for Australia.Maxwell's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of match practice due to off-field commitments and the ongoing management of a leg injury. Despite his poor batting performance, his bowling has remained a highlight, making him a valuable asset to Australia's white-ball plans.While some experts believe Maxwell's form will improve in the World Cup, others have expressed concern about his recent slump. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch suggested that Maxwell may have been nearing the end of his IPL career, while former batter Callum Ferguson expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back.Maxwell's future in the IPL is also uncertain, with a mega auction on the horizon. He has previously stated that the IPL will likely be his last tournament, but it remains to be seen whether he will continue with Royal Challengers Bengaluru or explore other options.Despite his recent struggles, Maxwell remains a highly skilled player capable of extraordinary performances. His ability to marshal the middle order and dominate the phase after the powerplay will be crucial for Australia's success in the T20 World Cup.

Glenn Maxwell's Golden Duck Disappoints Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL EliminatorRoyal Challengers Bengaluru's hopes of advancing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 were dashed after a disappointing performance by star player Glenn Maxwell in their Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, was dismissed for a golden duck, matching Dinesh Karthik's dubious record of 18 ducks in the IPL.The critical moment came in the 11th over, when veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin removed Maxwell with a deceptive delivery. After dismissing Cameron Green for 27 off 21 balls, Ashwin outsmarted Maxwell, leaving RCB reeling.Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan and ex-England skipper Kevin Pietersen were critical of Maxwell's shot selection. Pathan questioned Maxwell's decision-making, while Pietersen remarked that Maxwell's performance was "not good enough" in such a crucial game.Maxwell's failure was particularly disappointing given his reputation as a match-winner. His dismissal left RCB vulnerable, and they were unable to recover, eventually losing the match and their chance to advance in the tournament.With this dismissal, Maxwell joined Dinesh Karthik at the top of the unwanted leaderboard for the most ducks in IPL history, each having 18 to their name. They are followed by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with 17 ducks, and Piyush Chawla, Mandeep Singh, and Sunil Narine, each with 15 ducks.Maxwell's golden duck will be remembered as a turning point in RCB's season. His failure to deliver when it mattered most contributed to their elimination from the tournament.

Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel has sparked controversy by labeling Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Glenn Maxwell as the "most overrated" player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Patel's criticism stems from Maxwell's underwhelming performance in RCB's recent match against Gujarat Titans, where he scored a mere four runs from three balls.Despite Maxwell's poor showing, RCB emerged victorious with a four-wicket margin. However, Patel took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the Australian's performance, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "Glenn Maxwell....HE IS THE MOST OVERRATED player in the history of ipl."Maxwell's performance in the ongoing IPL season has been inconsistent. In eight matches, he has scored 104 runs at an average of 17.33 and a strike rate of 125.61. He has also taken five wickets with an economy rate of 8.33.Patel's criticism has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans have agreed with his assessment, citing Maxwell's lack of consistency and big-match temperament. Others have defended Maxwell, pointing to his all-round abilities and his contributions to RCB's success in previous seasons.In the match against Gujarat Titans, RCB elected to field first and restricted GT to 147 runs in 19.3 overs. Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Mohammed Siraj were the standout bowlers for RCB, each taking two wickets.In the run chase, RCB got off to a strong start with Faf Du Plessis and Virat Kohli putting up a 92-run partnership. However, a brilliant spell from Joshua Little (4/45) and Noor Ahmed (2/23) put RCB in trouble. Dinesh Karthik (21*) and Swapnil Singh (15*) eventually guided the team to victory with 38 balls remaining.Patel's criticism of Maxwell has reignited the debate about the Australian's value to RCB. While he has undoubtedly been a match-winner in the past, his recent performances have raised questions about his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. It remains to be seen whether Maxwell can silence his critics and prove his worth in the remaining matches of the IPL season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis opted to field first against Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter in Ahmedabad on April 28. RCB welcomed back Glenn Maxwell to their lineup after the Australian all-rounder took a break from the tournament due to mental and physical exhaustion. GT, on the other hand, retained their playing XI from their previous match.RCB's batting lineup boasts the likes of Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, and Swapnil Singh. GT, led by Shubman Gill, features Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, and Mohit Sharma.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. RCB will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to Chennai Super Kings, while GT will aim to continue their winning streak. The presence of star players like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Rashid Khan adds to the anticipation surrounding this clash.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced that he is taking a break from cricket due to poor form and a hip strain. The 35-year-old has struggled in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, scoring only 32 runs in six innings with an average of 5.33.Maxwell revealed his decision in an appearance on ESPN's 'Around the Wicket' show, stating that the "physical and mental toll probably just wore me down a little bit." He also disclosed that he has been dealing with a hip injury, which has further contributed to his struggles."I've actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I've got a few more days off and during recovery," Maxwell said. "So I've got a little period here where I'm still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I'll obviously put my hand up and take it."Maxwell emphasized that his return to the team is not based on a fixed timeline. "It's not one of those things where I've set a date that I'll be out for three games then I'll come back whenever I'm ready. That's not how it works. I haven't been at a level that's good enough to warrant a spot on the side this year," he said.Despite his struggles in the IPL, Maxwell remains a highly sought-after player in T20 cricket. He has signed a deal to play for Washington Freedom in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament, which is scheduled to begin on July 4.Maxwell expressed his excitement about joining MLC, saying, "I've been speaking to Ricky Ponting and a few other players a fair bit over the last little period and certainly extremely excited to get stuck in." He added, "It's a tournament that I watched from afar last year and was extremely excited about hopefully playing this tournament one day and luckily enough the timings have aligned this year."Maxwell's decision to take a break from cricket is a reminder of the mental and physical challenges that athletes face in high-pressure environments. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing well-being and taking time to recover when necessary.

Glenn Maxwell, the explosive Australian all-rounder, has joined Travis Head and Steve Smith in signing with Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Maxwell's decision to join MLC comes after he requested to be omitted from Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) lineup in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Maxwell's signing with Washington Freedom marks the latest addition of Australian talent to MLC. He will join his national teammates Head and Smith, as well as former IPL coach Ricky Ponting, at the Washington-based franchise. Maxwell expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in the United States, stating that he has been eager to participate in the tournament since its inception.The Australian all-rounder cited the presence of familiar faces like Head, Smith, and Ponting as a key factor in his decision to join Washington Freedom. He believes that their familiarity will help him settle in quickly and contribute to the team's success.Maxwell's decision to request omission from RCB's lineup was not motivated by a need for a mental break, as some had speculated. Instead, he explained that he felt he was not performing at his best and wanted to avoid putting pressure on the team's captain and coach."I was pretty low on confidence," Maxwell said. "I had a good couple of net sessions and just went out to the ground and felt really tentative. I wasn't able to really commit to my game plans and just felt like if I had kept playing and playing that role, I don't think the results would change too much."Maxwell's self-assessment led him to believe that he was not contributing enough to the team and that it was in the best interests of RCB to give another player a chance. He emphasized that he is not taking an extended break from cricket but rather is focused on improving his form and regaining his place in the team.Maxwell's absence from RCB's lineup is likely to continue for the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders, as he is currently nursing a minor hip injury. He understands that he needs to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to return to the team."I've actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I've got a few more days off and during recovery," Maxwell said. "So I've got a little period here where I'm still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I'll obviously put my hand up and take it."

Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, has decided to take a break from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prioritize his physical and mental well-being. The decision came after Maxwell requested the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) management to replace him for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Maxwell's struggles in IPL 2024 have been evident, with the player scoring only 32 runs in six innings at an average of 5.33. Despite speculations of a thumb injury, Maxwell clarified that it was not the reason for his absence."It was an easy decision for me," Maxwell said after RCB's sixth defeat in seven matches. "I felt it was time to give someone else a chance. I've been in this situation before, and I think it's better to take a break now and get my body and mind right."Maxwell acknowledged the team's deficiency in the powerplay, an area where he has excelled in recent seasons. "I wasn't contributing positively with the bat, and I felt it was the right time to give someone else an opportunity," he explained.Despite his recent struggles, Maxwell entered IPL 2024 in impressive form, having scored 552 runs in 17 T20s since November. However, a first-ball duck against Chennai Super Kings set the tone for his disappointing campaign."T20 cricket can be fickle," Maxwell said. "I've made good decisions, but I've still found ways to get out. It can snowball, and you can start trying too hard."The SRH game, which turned out to be a high-scoring affair, left Maxwell with a sense of regret. "I realized it was probably a bad game to miss," he said with a smile. "But I needed the physical and mental break to give myself the right to play professional cricket."Maxwell's decision echoes a similar situation he faced in IPL 2020, where he managed only 108 runs in 11 innings. However, he emphasized that the circumstances were different this time."Back then, I was bowling well and playing more as a spinner," Maxwell said. "Here, I've been working on taking ownership, but the runs haven't come. I've had a great six months leading into this tournament, so it's frustrating. But I'm confident I can finish well if I get another opportunity."

Glenn Maxwell Declared Fit for RCB's Clash with Sunrisers HyderabadRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have received a major boost ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Director of Cricket Mo Bobat confirming that Glenn Maxwell has recovered from a thumb injury.Maxwell sustained the injury while fielding in RCB's previous match against Mumbai Indians. However, Bobat has allayed concerns, stating that the Australian all-rounder has undergone scans and is cleared to play."Maxi has had a couple of scans, and he's okay at the minute. So, there's no injury concerns. He's going to practice today and get more of a feel," Bobat said in the pre-match press meet.Despite his injury scare, Maxwell has been struggling for form in this season's IPL, scoring just 32 runs from six matches at an average of 5.33. However, Bobat expressed confidence that the 34-year-old will soon rediscover his touch."He's disappointed. He obviously has high standards and has a very, very impressive 12 to 24 months. He's in our plans, and is an important part of our batting lineup. So, up until now, we're trying to support him as best as we can and help him find his best form," he said.Bobat emphasized the importance of Maxwell's return to form for RCB's middle-overs strategy."It's good to see Rajat (Patidar) come back to some form in the last game (against MI). We're really trying to target that middle phase of the game where we feel like we could probably score at a better rate or put more pressure on the opposition. So, we're trying to work with him (Maxwell) to do that," he added.Maxwell's participation in the net session ahead of the SRH match suggests that he is ready to take the field. RCB will be hoping that the Australian can rediscover his form and provide the team with the impetus it needs to challenge for the IPL title.