Glenn Maxwell’s IPL Struggles No Concern, Says Usman Khawaja Ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

May 29, 2024 0 1103

Usman Khawaja dismissed concerns about Glenn Maxwell’s poor IPL performance, saying Maxwell’s proven track record shows that occasional bad form doesn’t matter for the T20 World Cup.

Glenn Maxwell’s performance in the IPL 2024 season has been his worst in 13 years, with an average of just 5.78 in nine innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He managed only six boundaries and was out for a duck four times. Despite the severe criticism and trolling, Usman Khawaja, who has played with Maxwell in 45 matches, backed Maxwell.

Khawaja emphasized that IPL form doesn’t define players like Maxwell, who have a proven track record. He highlighted the importance of consistency and the understanding that even the best players can’t perform at their peak all the time. Khawaja’s comments came amid discussions about Maxwell’s place in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, with many questioning his recent performances.

“The IPL form is absolutely irrelevant. Maxy’s proven himself time and time again. Any player who’s performed over a long period of time understands that you can’t perform well every time you go out there,” Khawaja said to The West Australian.

“You take a few risks, particularly if you bat in the middle order, and T20 cricket’s not easy. But (for this tournament) if he gets one good innings, he’s away. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. He’s not going to change his game and nor should he. Just keep going. He’ll find it,” he added.

After the IPL, Maxwell, along with several other Australian players, is on a break. Their absence meant that selection chief George Bailey, fielding coach Andre Borovec, batting coach Brad Hodge, and head coach Andrew McDonald had to step in during a warm-up match against Namibia. Despite these challenges, Australia comfortably chased down Namibia’s total, with David Warner scoring a quick 54*.

Australia’s next warm-up match is against the West Indies on May 31, and their first official T20 World Cup game is against Oman on June 6. They will also face England, Namibia, and Scotland in the group stage.