Why RCB have taken a huge risk in the IPL Auction by buying Maxwell
RCB bought Maxwell in the auction for 14.5 crores to bolster their middle order, they also added New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson for 15.25 crores. The acquisition of Kyle Jamieson was also strange considering they let go of experienced South African allrounder Chris Morris who they had acquired for 10.25 crores.
We look at reasons why Maxwell is a huge risk for KXIP.
Poor IPL 2020: In IPL 2020 Maxwell struggled big time managing just 108 runs in 11 innings. The Aussie all-rounder averaged just 15.43, lowest among all Punjab Kings batsmen. The 32-year-old crossed 15 just once highlighting his lack of contribution with the bat. The off-spinning all-rounder also did not contribute enough with the ball managing just 3 wickets in 21 overs. Maxwell’s economy rate of 8.05 meant he was not economical as well further highlighting his ineffective performance in IPL 2020.
Glenn Maxwell Bidding war IPL 2021 Will RCB get to see his best at No 5: RCB are expected to go with an opening pair of Devdutt Paddikal and Philipps, with Captain Virat Kohli coming in at no 3 and AB de Villiers coming in at no 4. Maxwell will likely have to slot in at no 5 where he doesn’t have a good record. The explosive batsman averages 21.16 at no 5 his lowest at any position where he has batted more than 7 innings. For RCB to see the best of Maxi they might have to change their batting order, by sending Kohli and AB de Villiers 1 place higher which might be risky because if they both get out early RCB might not be able to make a competitive score.
Big hitter but lack of big hits and poor strike rate in IPL 2020: Maxwell is known for his explosive batting and his big hitting. However, in IPL 2020 Maxwell had a strike rate of 101.88, lowest among batsmen with more than 5 innings highlighting his struggles to justify his tag as a big hitter. Another damning stat for Maxwell was that in 11 innings the “Big Show” failed to hit a six, which undermines his reputation as a big hitter.
Signed as an all-rounder but does he contribute enough with the ball: RCB coach Henson mentioned that they have gone big for Maxwell because of his ability to contribute with the ball as well. However, Maxwell managed just 3 wickets at an average of 56.33, which is his worst bowling average since IPL 2015. The Aussie off spinner has an overall economy rate of 8.57 which is unimpressive to say the least. Additionally, RCB already have talented off spinner Washington Sundar in their ranks who is at his best in Powerplay which is where Maxwell bowled majority of his overs.
On his day Maxwell is a match winner however, those days are becoming rarer and rarer, Maxwell’s last half century came 39 innings ago, highlighting his waning impact. RCB will hope that they see the Maxwell who can score quickly and share the run scoring from Kohli and Ab De Villiers. If RCB manage to get the best out of Maxwell, he has the talent to take RCB all the way like he did for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2014.
