Cricket

Glenn Maxwell's IPL 2024 campaign has hit a new low as the Australian all-rounder recorded his 17th duck in the tournament during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's seven-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians on Thursday. This unwanted record ties him with Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma for the most ducks in IPL history.Maxwell's struggles in this year's IPL stand in stark contrast to his impressive performance in the ODI World Cup late last year, where he played a crucial role in Australia's triumph on Indian soil. However, in six innings this season, Maxwell has managed a mere 32 runs, with a string of disappointing scores including four ducks.Maxwell's poor form is part of a wider trend of Australian players struggling at RCB. Cameron Green, who was dropped for the match against Mumbai Indians, has also failed to make an impact since joining the franchise.The Australian contingent's struggles have contributed to RCB's inconsistent start to the season. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, the team has won only two of their first six matches.Maxwell's record-equaling duck highlights the challenges he has faced in adapting to the IPL's demanding conditions. The Australian has been known for his explosive batting, but he has struggled to find his rhythm in this year's tournament.With RCB facing a crucial stretch of matches, Maxwell will be under pressure to turn his form around. The team will need him to contribute with both bat and ball if they are to challenge for the IPL title.

Virat Kohli's record-breaking eighth IPL century has sparked a heated debate over his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Despite leading the IPL 2024 run-scoring charts with 316 runs in five matches, Kohli's slow strike rate of 146.30 has raised concerns among critics.However, Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell has come to his defense, dismissing the doubts surrounding his T20 World Cup fate. Maxwell praised Kohli's exceptional batting skills, particularly his ability to perform under pressure."Virat Kohli is the most clutch player I have ever played against," Maxwell said. "The innings he played against us in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup is still the best innings I have ever seen been played against me. His awareness of what he needs to do to win the game is just phenomenal."Maxwell's comments highlight the importance of Kohli's experience and big-match temperament. Despite his recent struggles with strike rate, Kohli remains a proven match-winner with a remarkable track record in international cricket.Kohli's T20 international career has seen him play 117 matches for India, scoring 4037 runs at a strike rate of 138.16. He has scored one hundred and 37 fifties, demonstrating his consistency and ability to adapt to different conditions.While the debate over Kohli's selection for the T20 World Cup is likely to continue, Maxwell's support serves as a reminder of his immense talent and potential. With the tournament just months away, Kohli will be eager to prove his critics wrong and cement his place in India's squad.