Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) did not play Glenn Maxwell in their most recent IPL game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday evening. Although Maxwell didn’t play, it didn’t make much of a difference as the Bengaluru side were blasted by the SRH batting line-up as they scored a record-breaking 287 runs in their 20 overs.
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Chasing the target, RCB fell short by 25 runs despite valiant efforts from Dinesh Karthik who scored 83 off just 35 balls for the home side. With this defeat, RCB have now lost six out of the seven games that they have played this season and have a very negligible chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
Why did Maxwell not play against SRH?
Glenn Maxwell is known for his power-hitting prowess and also for his contributions with the ball, but nothing seems to be going well with the Australian as he has showcased abysmal form in the IPL this season, especially with the bat. Maxwell has scored a mere 32 runs this season with an average of 5.33 and highest score of 28.
The Aussie asked the team management not to pick him and has taken an indefinite break from IPL.
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What did Maxwell have to say about his exclusion?
Following the defeat against SRH, Maxwell said:
“I went to Faf and the coaches after the last game and said it was probably time that we tried someone else. I have been in this situation in the past where you keep playing and get yourself in a deeper hole. I think now is actually a good time for me to give myself a physical and mental break, get my body right. If I’m required to get in during the tournament, I can hopefully get back into a really solid mental and physical space where I can still have an impact."
Maxwell clearly seems to have asked for some space of mind and a break from the on-going IPL season for a while from the RCB captain and the coaching staff.
Who would replace Maxwell and what's next for RCB?
There’s no doubt that the absence of Maxwell from the playing XI is going to prove to be a huge setback for RCB, despite his poor form the Australian possesses the ability to bounce back to form quickly and has showcased it time after time in previous seasons.
The power-hitter’s current replacement seems to be English international Will Jacks as he is a like for like substitution for. Jack has played just two games so far this season, scoring 7 runs in both games.
RCB will now be facing the in-form Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, April 21. It’s a must win game for the Bengaluru side if they want to keep any hopes alive of qualifying for the playoffs.