Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 5 suffered their first defeat of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. In their first home game, PBKS were outclassed by Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they fell short of the target by 51 runs. As the top four PBKS batters faltered, Glenn Maxwell had to walk out to bat just after the powerplay overs when PBKS were 43/4 in the run chase of 206. Maxwell steadied with ship with Nehal Wadhera but departed before the slog overs could begin. Following PBKS' defeat, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar compared Maxwell to 'Halley's Comet' and said that he performs only once in 75 games.
In an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak, Maxwell was asked whether there are any concerns about Maxwell's form. PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin defended his former teammate and said that he was just getting into some rhythm before Maheesh Theekshana dismissed him.
"He looked like he was just starting to get some rhythm into his batting. He had a really good partnership (with Wadhera). Maxi (Maxwell) was just about to get in front of the game but he got out. There were good signs (in the innings). When he came in, there was pressure. They (Wadhera and Maxwell) wrestled the momentum back in our favour," Haddin said.
"With guys like Maxi, you know at some stage they are going to win you the game. They've done it over a generation."
Maxwell scored 30 runs from 21 balls including three fours and a six in the 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket. After Maxwell fell, Wadhera departed on the first ball of the next over bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga. When the set batters walked back to the dugout, PBKS needed 75 runs from 29 balls. PBKS lower-order batters could not put up a fight as the required run rate was already out of the grasp. They managed to post 155/9.
Maxwell's got a point to prove
Maxwell, who was picked for Rs 4.4 crore by PBKS in the mega auction, is yet to prove his mettle in the ongoing season. In the first match against Gujarat Titans (GT), he got out for a duck. In the previous season, he did failed miserably for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as he scored just 52 runs from nine innings.
Maxwell will be seen in action when PBKS take on an out-of-form Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home on April 8.