India's out-of-favour batter Cheteshwar Pujara has openly criticised Punjab Kings' star Glenn Maxwell's poor performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Maxwell has failed to make a mark in IPL 2025 in a total of six matches he has played so far. His struggles are underscored by the fact that he has failed to reach a total of 100 runs in his last 16 IPL matches, a period that spans two IPL seasons and includes his stints with two different franchises.
Cheteshwar Pujara slams Glenn Maxwell amidst form slump in IPL 2025
Following a disappointing start to the previous IPL season, where he scored only 32 runs in his initial six matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Maxwell requested a temporary leave from the team management. Upon his return to the playing eleven, his batting form showed little improvement, as he managed to add a mere 21 runs in the subsequent four matches. Consequently, RCB released him, and Punjab Kings opted to reacquire his services for Rs 4.2 crore in the mega auction. Similar to the previous year, the Australian all-rounder entered this IPL season with promising form demonstrated in prior international fixtures. However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse shortly after the start of the tournament, mirroring his struggles from the previous IPL season.
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Glenn Maxwell's performance in the current IPL 2025 season has been markedly poor, as evidenced by his meager tally of just 41 runs across six matches, resulting in a very low batting average of 8.20. A particularly noticeable aspect of his struggles has been his vulnerability against spin bowling.
Pujara didn't mince words while lashing out at Maxwell's batting slump. He said that if there was any other player he would've been out of the XI, but because he's Maxwell he's getting that opportunity.
"The way he bats hasn't changed much. He hasn't changed the way he has approached the IPL. There have been times where he's been a little casual. He's the same what he was maybe eight-ten years ago. I'm a little critical, but there are times where as a player you need to wake up," Pujara said on ESPNCricinfo T20 Time Out.
Pujara emphasised the urgency for Glenn Maxwell to improve his performance. Pujara said that Maxwell needs to buckle down and start contributing effectively with the bat, as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) management's patience is likely finite. He implied that if Maxwell's poor form continues, the franchise may soon be compelled to make difficult decisions regarding his place in the team.
"You need to realise you're getting an opportunity to play and be part of a franchise where things are at stake. And there are times a player can get casual, they're not worried about what's happening. I'm sure he wants to perform but when you're not performing there's a fine line of being causal and just trying to pull up your socks and trying to perform. He has to find that balance, if there was any other player he would've been out of the XI, but because he's Maxwell he's getting that opportunity," Pujara concluded.
Taking about PBKS' performance in the ongoing IPL 2025, they are strongly placed at fourth spot in the points table. Shreyas Iyer-led side have won four matches against two defeats in a total of six encounters. PBKS will next take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on April 18.