Maxwell Instagram post sparks RCB transfer
2024 was the worst IPL season of Glenn Maxwell’s career as he scored just 52 runs in 10 matches for RCB The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council is yet to announce the number of retentions each franchise will be allowed and the format of the upcoming mega auction for the 2025 edition of the tournament, but major changes are set to take place across all teams.
Rumours have already started doing the rounds about possible changes in some of the franchises, and if the speculations are true, Glenn Maxwell is likely to leave Royal Challengers Bangalore as he has unfollowed the team on Instagram.
Glenn Maxwell unfollows RCB on Instagram
RCB roped in the Australian for a whopping Rs 14.25 crore ahead of the 2021 season auction and he has performed brilliantly, scoring 513 runs in 15 matches with six half-centuries. He was then retained for Rs 11 crore the following season.
Though his performance dipped in 2022 and he scored 301 runs in 13 matches with one half-century, he bounced back to score 400 runs in 14 matches for Bengaluru at a strike rate of 183.49. However, 2024 turned out to be the worst of his IPL career as he scored just 52 runs in 10 matches. On Tuesday, speculation about Maxwell’s intention to leave began after fans shared screenshots on social media showing the Australian player unfollowed the franchise on Instagram.
Ties sour with owner Sanjiv Goenka
Meanwhile, a Dainik Jagran report earlier this month indicated that the Bengaluru franchise would look for an Indian option as captain and KL Rahul seems to be a likely candidate to fill the position. The report states that Rahul’s relationship with Lucknow owner Sanjiv Goenka has soured.
Speculation about Rahul’s move began after a video went viral on social media showing Goenka discussing the matter with the team captain after LSG’s loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow during an IPL 2024 game.
Glenn Maxwell’s recent Instagram post has ignited transfer rumors linking him to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL mega auction. The Australian all-rounder shared a cryptic message, hinting at a potential move, which has fueled speculation among fans and analysts.
Maxwell, known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin, could be a valuable addition to RCB. The post has generated significant buzz, with many eagerly anticipating confirmation of the transfer. If true, Maxwell’s inclusion could bolster RCB’s squad, enhancing their prospects for the upcoming IPL season.
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis
The 40-year-old former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who joined RCB as captain in 2022 replacing Virat Kohli, doesn’t have age on his side. And, with RCB looking towards a long-term plan, Rahul could prove to be a worthy option. The India wicketkeeper-batsman began his IPL career at RCB in 2013 and was later part of the 2016 team that made it to the final.
Ahead of IPL 2025, the franchise is preparing itself for long-term changes in the roster rather than a mega auction. Maxwell, having been a journeyman throughout his IPL career, could be in the market as he finds a new home in the cash-rich T20 league.
Given the nature of T20 leagues and team dynamics, franchises often have to make tough decisions. So, if Bengaluru lets go of Maxwell to raise funds for young talent, it would be a significant move. His recent social media activity, in which he unfollowed RCB on Instagram, has fuelled rumours of his possible exit.
Similar poor performance in IPL 2020
Glenn Maxwell was dropped from the Punjab Kings squad after a similar poor performance in IPL 2020. That season, he scored 108 runs in 13 matches at an average of 15.42 and a strike rate of 101.88.
Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell made a formidable trio at RCB, even though they failed to get RCB its maiden IPL trophy. But given the latest developments, it is very likely that Maxwell and du Plessis will be released by the Bengaluru-based franchise.
IPL owners meeting with BCCI will also discuss the reintroduction of the Right-to-Match option (RTM). The owners are keen on keeping an option of five to six retentions. If the RTM option is brought back, or a higher number of retentions are allowed, RCB might consider retaining Maxwell at a lower price.
His performance saw a massive drop last season in which he scored 52 runs in 10 matches at an average of 5.78 and a strike rate of 120.93. He took a voluntary break in the middle of the tournament to get into a better mental state, but failed once again on his return ahead of the play-offs. In the Eliminator, he was dismissed for a first-ball duck and RCB lost to Rajasthan Royals.
Conclusion
Glenn Maxwell’s future with RCB has become uncertain as the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches. Bought for 14.25 crores in the 2021 auction, Maxwell was a crucial acquisition for RCB.
In 2023, Glenn Maxwell was in commendable form, where he scored 400 runs in 14 innings. But could not continue it in the IPL 2024 season, where he scored only 52 runs in 10 matches.
