- Glenn Maxwell plans to play IPL until he physically can’t, deeming it his potential last tournament.
- Maxwell sees IPL as the top learning experience, benefiting from global interactions and diverse conditions.
- Maxwell urges Aussies to join the IPL for skill improvement, particularly with the upcoming auction.
In a resounding declaration of his commitment to the game, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell expressed his unwavering dedication to the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that he intends to play in the tournament “until [he] can’t walk anymore.” Maxwell, who had a stellar 2023, played a pivotal role in Australia’s ODI World Cup triumph, where his remarkable unbeaten 201 rescued the team from a precarious situation against Afghanistan.
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Maxwell’s resurgence was notably witnessed in the IPL, where he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore since the 2021 edition. After a period of inconsistent performances with his previous franchise, Punjab Kings, Maxwell found new vigor with RCB, amassing 513 runs in the 2021 season and maintaining an impressive strike rate of 144. His stellar form continued in the 2023 IPL edition, where he achieved an outstanding strike rate of 183, accumulating 400 runs across 14 games.
Speaking about his fondness for the IPL and its impact on his career, Maxwell shared his sentiments at Melbourne Airport, emphasizing the league’s role in his development. “The IPL will probably be the last tournament I ever play, as I will play the IPL until I can’t walk anymore,” he declared, highlighting the tournament’s significance in providing a learning experience like no other. Maxwell credited the IPL for the exposure to international players, the valuable interactions with renowned coaches, and the opportunity to share the field with cricketing stalwarts like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.
Reflecting on the IPL’s contribution to skill development, Maxwell expressed hope for more Australian players to participate in the league, especially to acclimate to conditions akin to the West Indies. He emphasized the benefits of working in drier conditions with a propensity for spin, enhancing players’ adaptability and skill sets.
Maxwell, who was retained by RCB for the 2024 season, conveyed his gratitude for the tournament’s role in his career. As several Australian players, including ODI captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, prepare for the upcoming IPL auction on December 19, Maxwell’s testimony underscores the IPL’s enduring impact on players and its pivotal role in shaping their careers.