Glenn Maxwell comes across as one of those modern day cricketer who exhibit the brash, assertive youth character of today’s game, which has moved way ahead of the orthodox style to a quick, extravagant affair. The advent of T20 has given youngsters the platform to make a name for themselves in just 20 overs. A format synonymous with extreme athleticism , quick thinking and an unconventional approach, Glenn Maxwell has made a reputation of master in it for himself.
Maxwell’s exploits in the Big Bash and Ryobi Cup were enough evidence for Mumbai Indians to bid a staggering $1m for him in the 2013 auctions. It didn’t surprise those who had tracked Maxwell’s rise through the Aussie ranks. He made a reputation of a big hitter for himself, especially after that 19-ball 50,fastest in Australian domestic circuit. Also he succeeded in the opening slot against an able Sri Lankan attack, carting it all over the place in his comeback series. His part-time off spin and fielding skills also come in handy for the side. All these were valued attributes for a limited overs player.
Come IPL VI, Maxwell mostly warmed the benches as Mumbai hardly tampered with a settled combination throughout its campaign-also the four overseas players cap also didn’t help Maxwell. Although when he got the opportunity he didn’t disappoint while striking at a strike rate of 200+. Mumbai didn’t retain him and he again went under the hammer, triggering a bidding war (as expected) with Kings XI Punjab bagging him for a whopping Rs.6 cr.Post auction when the focus shifted onto the World T20, there too Maxwell made the news in an otherwise lacklustre Australian campaign, notching upo runs with utmost against the best in the business.
In his first match for Punjab against CSK , while chasing a mammoth 207, Punjab were two wickets down in only the fourth over, in walked Maxwell and opened one of the fiercest counter-attacks, reverse sweeping, pulling, slog sweeping and the target seemed achievable half way through the innings. Such was the extent of his inning that every Chennai bowler leaked runs at over 9 rpo.
Two days later against Rajasthan Royals’, in Sharjah , Maxwell again tormented the opposition bowling and made mockery of a near impossible target by amassing a 45-ball 89. When bowlers blocked the on-side by bowling a negative line, he unearthed his offside, further enhancing his scoring areas. Again he smashed 95 against a helpless Hyderabad who gave Maxwell two reprieves enroute his decisive inning which again proved to be match winning.
In the very first week of IPL VII, Maxwell has played three splendid knocks, rising as the player staking claim for the player of the season award. This IPL may well go down in the record books as Maxwell’s IPL.
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