Glenn Maxwell flops again in IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Star Struggles Again
Punjab Kings’ marquee all-rounder Glenn Maxwell flops again and faced another setback in his IPL 2025 campaign, dismissed for a mere 7 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 26, 2025. The Australian star, acquired for Rs 4.2 crore in the mega auction, has been under fire for his consistent failures with the bat, drawing sharp criticism from fans and experts alike. Former India batter Suresh Raina delivered a scathing verdict, stating, I don’t remember the last time Glenn Maxwell made runs for the team; he’s got too many chances.
Maxwell’s Poor Form in IPL 2025
Maxwell’s return to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) playing XI after being benched for two matches didn’t yield the desired result. Facing KKR, he started tentatively but managed a boundary with a switch-hit off spinner Varun Chakravarthy. However, Chakravarthy had the last laugh, clean-bowling Maxwell on the next ball. This dismissal added to Maxwell’s woes, with only 48 runs in six innings this season at a dismal average of 8.00. His struggles against spin, particularly Chakravarthy, have been evident, with the spinner dismissing him four times in IPL encounters.
Despite his batting failures, Maxwell has contributed with the ball, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 8.46. However, his primary role as a destructive middle-order batter remains unfulfilled, prompting calls from experts like Simon Doull and Cheteshwar Pujara to rethink his place in the XI. Pujara, Maxwell’s former teammate, criticized his casual
approach, urging him to wake up
and adapt to the modern IPL’s demands.
Punjab Kings’ Performance Against KKR
In the match against KKR on April 26, 2025, Punjab Kings posted a formidable 201/4, thanks to explosive half-centuries from openers Priyansh Arya (69 off 35) and Prabhsimran Singh (83 off 49). The duo’s 120-run opening stand set the tone, but rain played spoilsport, washing out KKR’s chase after just one over. Both teams shared a point, helping PBKS climb to fourth on the IPL 2025 points table. KKR’s bowlers, including Vaibhav Arora (2/34), Varun Chakravarthy (1/39), and Andre Russell (1/27), struggled to contain PBKS until the death overs.
PBKS made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Maxwell and Azmatullah Omarzai for Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett. KKR, meanwhile, replaced Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh with Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya.
Glenn Maxwell flops again in IPL 2025 Stats: A Detailed Look
Maxwell’s batting performances in IPL 2025 have been underwhelming. Below is a mobile-friendly table summarizing his scores in the tournament so far:
| Match Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| March 24, 2025 | Gujarat Titans | 0 (1) |
| April 1, 2025 | Rajasthan Royals | 30 (21) |
| April 5, 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants | 1 (2) |
| April 12, 2025 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 3 (7) |
| April 15, 2025 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 (10) |
| April 26, 2025 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 (8) |
Why Is Glenn Maxwell Struggling?
Glenn Maxwell flops again and struggles stem from multiple factors. His vulnerability against spin, especially googlies, has been exploited repeatedly. Four of his five dismissals in IPL 2025 have come against spinners, a stark contrast to his earlier reputation as a spin-hitter. Additionally, his aggressive approach hasn’t adapted to the high-scoring nature of IPL 2025, where totals exceeding 250 are common. Critics like Virender Sehwag have accused Maxwell of treating the IPL as a holiday
, lacking the hunger to perform consistently.
Despite a successful Big Bash League (BBL) campaign (325 runs at a 186.78 strike rate), Maxwell’s IPL form has been a shadow of his 2014 PBKS stint, where he scored 552 runs at a strike rate of 187.75. His current average of 4.87 against spin since last year highlights a technical flaw that opponents have capitalized on.
What’s Next for Maxwell and Punjab Kings?
With PBKS in playoff contention, the team management faces a tough call on Maxwell. While his off-spin and fielding add value, his batting failures are a liability. Alternatives like Azmatullah Omarzai or Josh Inglis could provide better balance. As Punjab Kings aim to end their trophy drought under coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, Maxwell must rediscover his form to justify his Rs 4.2 crore price tag.
Stay tuned to Khelo Pakistan for the latest IPL 2025 updates, player stats, and match highlights!
