Former Indian opener and current head coach Gautam Gambhir has ignited discussions around Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's fluctuated performance, particularly focusing on how these inconsistencies have curtailed his stability within the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gambhir's remarks, made during an interview, highlight the stark difference between Maxwell and other players like West Indies' Andre Russell, who have shown remarkable consistency.
Gambhir, who has captained winning franchises, stated, "Had Maxwell done really well in the IPL, he wouldn't have played for so many franchises, to be honest. He's played for so many franchises because he's not been consistent at all. We can't keep talking about 'he hasn't had the freedom' for the previous franchises he's played for… when he played for Delhi, he had a lot of freedom." This critique paints four-time IPL franchise player Maxwell as someone who hasn’t capitalized on the opportunities provided to him.
He continued, "Most of these franchises and coaches - because they think he's an X-factor - they want to try and provide him with the best platform where he can succeed. The most unfortunate thing is… apart from one season in 2014 where he set the IPL on fire, he has not succeeded." Gambhir's observations come as Maxwell reunites with the Punjab Kings for IPL 2025, after previously playing for RCB.
Maxwell's performance history reflects his battle for consistency across various franchises. Despite having two notable seasons where he amassed over 500 runs, Maxwell's career stats show fluctuations. He played his last season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) where he struggled to make his mark, scoring just 52 runs across nine innings at an average of 5.7, alongside six wickets.
Maxwell's IPL timeline demonstrates his peaks and troughs:
- 2012: 6 runs (2 games) + 1 wicket
- 2013: 36 runs (3 games)
- 2014: 552 runs (16 games) + 1 wicket
- 2015: 145 runs (11 games) + 2 wickets
- 2016: 179 runs (11 games)
- 2017: 310 runs (14 games) + 7 wickets
- 2018: 169 runs (12 games) + 5 wickets
- 2020: 108 runs (13 games) + 3 wickets
- 2021: 513 runs (14 games) + 3 wickets
- 2022: 301 runs (13 games) + 6 wickets
- 2023: 400 runs (14 games) + 3 wickets
- 2024: 52 runs (10 games) + 6 wickets
Maxwell's best seasons came during 2014 and from 2021 to 2023, which have both seen him achieving over 500 runs. Yet, as Gambhir pointed out, his inability to maintain this form means he doesn't receive prolonged opportunities with any franchise.
He added, "The only reason why a franchise releases you is because you haven't performed. The more franchises you play for, it just shows you haven't really been able to get settled in any of the franchises.” These strong statements reflect Gambhir's concerns over Maxwell's future and underline the pressure for the player to secure consistent performances going forward.
Maxwell's return to Punjab Kings marks another chapter, having previously played with them from 2014 to 2018 and then again in 2020. Acquired at ₹4.2 crore during the IPL mega auction, there's hope he might resurrect his best game, especially with the existing narrative surrounding his past inconsistencies.
Fans and critics alike are eagerly watching to see if playing with Punjab will provide Maxwell with the stability he needs to thrive. His previous stints at various franchises have not only made headlines but have also raised questions about his ability to adapt and solidify his place as one of the top performers within the league.
Amid these critiques and the constant change of teams, Glenn Maxwell's IPL career remains one worth following. It bears the essence of the quintessential cricketing debate: can the talent shine consistently enough to be retained, or will it, like so many others, ebb and flow over the years?
