Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opted for an indefinite “mental and physical” break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), citing his struggle with batting form as the reason behind the decision.
Initially thought to be sidelined due to a finger injury sustained in the previous match against Mumbai Indians, Maxwell later revealed that he voluntarily removed himself from the squad.
Addressing the media in a post-match press conference, Maxwell expressed, “It was a pretty easy decision. I went to Faf and the coaches after the last game and said it was probably time we tried someone else (in his place). It’s actually a good time to give myself a bit of a mental and physical break, get my body right.”
This marks the second time in his career that Maxwell has taken a hiatus from competitive cricket for self-reflection. The Australian all-rounder had previously stepped away from the game in October 2019, citing mental and physical fatigue.
Maxwell’s performance in the current IPL season has been below par, with just 32 runs from six matches at an average of 5.33 and a strike rate of 94. His struggle to make an impact with the bat prompted him to step aside and allow someone else the opportunity to contribute.
Reflecting on his recent form, Maxwell admitted, “I felt like I wasn’t contributing with the bat… I think it’s a good time to give someone else an opportunity to show their wares.”
Despite his struggles, Maxwell remains hopeful of returning to form and making an impact in the latter stages of the tournament. “If I can get my body and my mind right, there’s no reason I can’t finish the tournament well if I do get another opportunity,” he asserted.
Maxwell’s decision comes as a surprise given his stellar performance leading up to the IPL, where he amassed 552 runs in 17 T20Is with an impressive average of 42 and a strike rate of 185.
While acknowledging the challenges he faced in the IPL, Maxwell emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and expressed confidence in bouncing back from his current slump.
With Maxwell taking a break, RCB will need to reassess their lineup as they aim to maintain their momentum in the tournament.
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