By Maxwell’s Decision to Rest Due to Poor Form and Mental Fatigue
After Royal Challengers Bangalore’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Glenn Maxwell revealed that he had requested to be omitted from the playing XI to rejuvenate himself mentally and physically following a disappointing start to the season. Despite entering IPL 2024 on the back of a successful six-month phase in international cricket, the Australian all-rounder struggled to convert his form into runs for RCB, managing just 32 runs from six innings at an average of 5.33.
“It was a pretty easy decision for me,” Maxwell said during a press conference after RCB’s sixth defeat in seven games. “I approached Faf [du Plessis] and the coaches after the last game and suggested that it was probably time to give someone else an opportunity. I’ve been in this situation before, where you keep playing and dig yourself into a deeper hole. I believe now is a good time for me to take a mental and physical break, get my body right, and if needed, make a strong comeback later in the tournament.”
Maxwell cited a decline in his performance, particularly after the powerplay, which had been his strength in previous seasons. He emphasized the importance of giving someone else a chance to prove themselves, especially considering RCB’s current position in the table.
Maxwell’s Decision to Step Back
Reflecting on his season opener against Chennai Super Kings, where he was dismissed for a first-ball duck, Maxwell highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. Despite starting the season in good form, with notable performances in T20Is and the BBL, Maxwell struggled to find his rhythm in the IPL.
Maxwell also mentioned a recent hand injury while fielding in RCB’s game against Mumbai Indians, which, although not serious, may have influenced his decision to rest. He acknowledged that missing the match against SRH, which saw the highest aggregate runs in a T20 match, was not ideal, but he felt the break was necessary for both his physical and mental well-being.
Having had three successful seasons with RCB in the past, Maxwell’s struggles this season have been disappointing. However, he praised the RCB management for their support and described them as “outstanding.” He compared his current situation to his time with Kings XI Punjab in 2020, where he felt he was not utilized effectively as a bowler and lacked match rhythm as a result.
Despite his current form, Maxwell expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back if given another opportunity. He emphasized the need to get his body and mind right and believed that with the right preparation, he could finish the tournament on a positive note.
