Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) and Australia's star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opted to take an indefinite break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Citing mental and physical fatigue, Maxwell informed RCB captain Faf du Plessis and the coaching staff of his decision after their most recent match. This decision came after a string of low scores from Maxwell, who had only managed 32 runs in six matches with an average of 5.33 and a strike rate of 94.11. Maxwell's struggles were evident, with only one double-digit score (28) and a concerning number of ducks (3) in the ongoing IPL season. He acknowledged the need for a change and expressed his desire to step aside to allow RCB to explore other options in the middle order.
Furthermore, Maxwell emphasised the importance of a mental and physical break. He aimed to avoid repeating past mistakes and falling deeper into a slump. By requesting to be dropped, he prioritised his well-being and paved the way for a potential return to form later in the tournament.
Glenn Maxwell takes indefinite break from IPL 2024
"For me, personally, it was a pretty easy decision. I went to Faf [du Plessis] and the coaches after the last game and said I felt it was probably time we tried someone else. I have been in this situation in the past where you can keep playing and get yourself deeper into a hole. I think now is actually a good time for me to give myself a bit of a mental and physical break, get my body right. If I'm required to get in during the tournament, I can hopefully get back into a really solid mental and physical space where I can still have an impact," Maxwell said in the post-match press conference.
We have had a pretty big deficiency straight after the powerplay, which has been my area of strength over the last couple of seasons. I felt like I wasn't contributing in a positive way with the bat, and with the results and the position we find ourselves on the table, I think it's a good time to give someone else an opportunity to show their wares, and hopefully, someone can make that spot their own," concluded.
While earlier rumors swirled about a thumb injury, RCB all-rounder Glenn Maxwell confirmed his decision stemmed solely from needing a mental and physical break, not any physical limitations. Maxwell also missed the clash between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) which the Faf Du Plessis' men lost by 25 runs on April 15. In his absence, RCB opted for Will Jacks as a replacement against Hyderabad. Jacks even received a promotion to bat at number 3. However, his promising start (7 runs off 4 balls) was cut short by an unfortunate run-out. Faf du Plessis' straight drive deflected off bowler Jaidev Unadkat's fingers and dislodged the bails at the non-striker's end, dismissing Jacks.
Maxwell's lacklustre show in IPL 2024
Glenn Maxwell's batting form in IPL 2024 was a cause for concern early on. His season began with a golden duck against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), followed by a meager 3 runs off 5 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS). While he managed a slightly better 28 off 19 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he still appeared out of sorts. This pattern continued with ducks against Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), followed by another single-digit score (1 run off 3 balls) against Mumbai Indians (MI).
Adding to Maxwell's struggles, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar offered his analysis, suggesting there might be a mismatch between Maxwell's batting style and the type of fast bowling he's facing in the IPL this season.
"He has been unable to play fast bowling, period. Balls bouncing to his chest or shoulder height are troubling him. He can whack every ball below his waist height, but not the ones above that," Gavaskar had earlier told Star Sports.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Cricket fraternity shocked as former Australia star cricketer arrested on over a dozen charges, including stalking, assault, choking and more
Shah Rukh Khan makes a special request to senior players in KKR dressing room after easy win over LSG, says ‘You have a lot of young kids...’
