After registering a series of low scores in IPL 2024, Glenn Maxwell made the difficult but honest decision to voluntarily give up his spot in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru XI. The Australian all-rounder approached RCB captain Faf du Plessis and the coaching staff, admitting that he needed a break to allow his mind and body to recover. Maxwell felt stepping aside was best for himself and the team.

“After a disappointing start to the season, I made the difficult but necessary decision to step away. I spoke with Faf and the coaches, saying “I think it’s time to give someone else a chance.” Having been in similar situation before, I know it’s best not to keep digging myself deeper. Taking this break will allow me to refresh both mentally and physically.” Maxwell said to the media after loss against SRH.

The explosive all-rounder left the door open for an RCB XI comeback in the second half of the competition.

“If I’m needed later in the tournament, I hope to be mentally prepared and able to positively contribute to RCB.” said Maxwell.

In six matches, Maxwell has managed just 32 runs at a paltry average of 5.33 and pedestrian strike rate of 94. He recorded three ducks as well.

“We have not performed up to expectations this season. We have a significant weakness immediately after the powerplay and through the middle overs, an area that has been a strength of mine in the past couple of seasons. I felt I was not contributing positively with the bat. Given our results and position in the standings, it is right time to give someone else a chance,” he added.

Maxwell, despite entering the IPL in peak form, was dismissed for a golden duck in his first match against CSK. He later stated that he has struggled to find consistency throughout the tournament.

“T20 cricket is quite a frickle game. Even in the first match, I middle one straight to the wicketkeeper. I read the length well, saw a chance to score, but opened the face a bit too much. When you’re in form, that shot goes for four and you’re off the mark.

“The reason is simple. I haven’t found my rhythm yet. In the opening matches, I felt I was making decent choices but still getting dismissed too early. That can occur in T20 and snowball into overthinking, overcompensating, and neglecting the fundamentals,” he concluded.

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