Since its inception in 2008, IPL has turned a number of lesser-known cricketers into stars and superstars. But no one has been as successful as Glenn Maxwell this season.
The Kings XI Punjab all-rounder is now leading the run-getters’ list with a total of 435 off 214 balls, including four fifties and a highest of 95. The 25-year-old right-hander and off-spinner has been exceptionally consistent, hitting 95, 89, 95, 15, 6, 45, 90. He also occupies the top position in terms of strike rate (203.27) and hitting fours (41) and sixes (27).
Maxwell missed out on a century for the fourth time on Wednesday, but that was because he always put the interest of the team above individual records. “Maxy could have easily converted his 90s into hundreds by taking singles and twos. But he missed it, playing aggressive shots for the cause of the team,” said former Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Biplab Samantray.
But what has made the Aussie all-rounder’s success so phenomenal this season? It may be that he wants to prove defending champions Mumbai Indians’ decision not to retain him for this season wrong.
Despite their costliest player with a price tag of $1 million, Maxwell got to play only three games in which he scored 36 runs. This year, he was bought by Punjab for `6 crore ($1 million) but it has been worth its weight in gold. In short, the loss for Mumbai has turned out to be bonanza for Punjab.
Another reason for Maxwell’s success is that he is high on confidence. “The kind of innovative shots he is playing is unbelievable. We know he is very strong on the leg side. But his reverse sweeps have been a novelty this season. He virtually won the return match against Chennai by repeatedly using that shot against R Ashwin,” observed Samantaray, the Odisha captain.
“Not only Ashwin, even Dwayne Smith was hit for three sixes, including two audacious reverse pulls over third-man by Maxwell. It was amazing,” he opined.
Keeping dot balls to a minimum is seen as yet another key to Maxwell’s success. This keeps the scoreboard ticking and reduces the pressure on the non-striker.
But despite basking in the glory, Maxwell remains cool and focused on his job of accumulating runs for his team. In the dressing room, Maxwell is said to be an asset for his positive thinking. “It is great to have Maxwell with us in the team. After the match, he forgets what he did on the field, and is very humble,” senior pro Virender Sehwag said.
Praise from Dhoni
Maxwell’s stupendous 38-ball 90 in Kings XI Punjab’s win over Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday prompted losing captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to compare the Australian to Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in talent. “He batted exceptionally well and he was supported by the others as well. He is someone who at his best is like a Sehwag or a Tendulkar,” Dhoni said.