NEW DELHI: In the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL),
Glenn Maxwell
experienced a dismal season with the
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(RCB).
The Australian all-rounder managed to score a mere 52 runs at a paltry average of 5.77, including four ducks. His off-spin bowling also proved ineffective, as he could only scalp six wickets throughout the tournament.
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Following RCB's elimination from the playoffs after a four-wicket loss to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), head coach
Andy Flower
addressed Maxwell's struggles.
While acknowledging the tough season Maxwell had, Flower remained optimistic about his ability to bounce back in time for Australia's campaign in the
Men's T20 World Cup
.
"Maxi's had a tough season, absolutely, and we know what he can contribute. It's been a really tough season for him. He's had an amazing couple of years actually. It was a surprise to everyone but I really wish him well. He's going to the World Cup now and I don't see any reason why he can't turn this around or turn his own personal form around in the World Cup for Australia and I look forward to watching that," said Flower in the post-match press conference.
During the Eliminator, Maxwell's performance was particularly disappointing, as he was dismissed for a golden duck by Ravichandran Ashwin and dropped a crucial catch of Tom Kohler-Cadmore. Despite taking a well-being break during the competition, Maxwell failed to regain his best form.
Former India fast-bowler Varun Aaron criticized Maxwell's shot selection in the crucial match, stating that it let RCB down when they had a chance to win the trophy after an impressive run of six consecutive wins. "That was a shocking shot. I understand if it was a ball to be hit, you hit it. (But) it was a good ball coming in. I think that shot was just not on at that point. He could have just absorbed a few balls and then gone big.
"You already lost quite a few wickets, your big players are in the dugout, and you are the most notable player at the crease at that point and then you play a shot like that, that's letting your team down on a very big day," said Aaron on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show.
Former Australia all-rounder and IPL-winning coach Tom Moody shared similar sentiments, labelling Maxwell's shot as reckless given his current form. "I think at the moment where he is at with regards to his form, it was reckless. If he was in red-hot form, I don't have an issue with him hitting that first ball straight for a six because 19 times out of 20, he would hit it for a six."
"It's a bit like what we've seen (Shivam) Dube do for CSK. First ball, in his arc, bang goes for six. They are all up applauding it. Maxwell is the same but Maxwell is not in that sweet spot when it comes to form. So I put that down as reckless cricket and an absolute brain fade," he concluded.
(Inputs from IANS)
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