Australia cricketer Glenn Maxwell has joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad and the 33-year-old all-rounder has even commenced his training with fellow teammates as well. But Maxwell will not be available for RCB’s match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 5 (Tuesday), due to Cricket Australia’s (CA) guidelines.
Australia board’s guidelines suggest that no contracted Australia cricketer can participate in Indian Premier League (IPL) before April 6. This means that in all likelihood, Maxwell will start his IPL 2022 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 9 (Saturday).
The Bangalore-based team are set to take on the Sanju Samson-led side at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on April 5.
Hesson confirms
RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson recently talked about Maxwell’s availability. Hesson confirmed that Maxwell “will be available for the game on 9th.”
“It’s pretty clear that from Cricket Australia’s point of view, no contracted players are available before the 6th of April. So, regardless of the fact that he (Glenn Maxwell) has arrived here, he can’t play till 6th. We are well aware of that. He will be available for the game on 9th,” said Hesson in a video shared by RCB franchise on April 5 (Tuesday).
Notably, Maxwell recently got married to his girlfriend Vini Raman.
RCB in IPL 2022
RCB failed to start their IPL 2022 campaign on a positive note. In their opening match of the IPL 2022 season, RCB had to suffer a five-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Batting first the Bangalore-based team had registered a huge total of 205/2 in 20 overs in the game.
RCB skipper Faf du Plessis showed amazing batting skills as he scored 88 runs off 57 balls. Later, former RCB skipper Virat Kohli (41 runs off 29 balls) and Dinesh Karthik (32 not out off 14 balls) helped their side in reaching a big total. In reply, PBKS successfully reached the target with six balls remaining.
In their second match, RCB scripted a three-wicket victory against last year’s finalists Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). RCB spinner Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva claimed four wickets in the match to bundle out KKR for a paltry total of 128 in 18.5 overs. In reply, the Faf du Plessis-led side reached the target with four balls remaining.
RCB currently stand at seventh spot (two points) in the IPL standings.
