IPL 2021: 3 teams that can bid for Glenn Maxwell in the auction


IPL 2021: 3 teams that can bid for Glenn Maxwell in the auction

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell is among the most feared cricketers in the T20 format around the world. The Australian’s brute power, unorthodox shots, explosive strike-rate and handy bowling have made him a hot prospect in the format. His performances for his national team have been terrific in recent times as he came good against India in both the ODIs and T20Is post the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL).

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His performance in the said tournament for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) was however, not up to the mark. He could only manage 108 runs in 13 matches while picking 3 wickets. He flattered to deceive throughout the course of the tournament and was eventually dropped in the final league match before being released ahead of the auction. Despite his poor IPL form, a plethora of franchises will be on the lookout for him and here are 3 who could bid for him in the auction.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are a side who have always struggled to find a reliable finisher at No. 5 or No. 6. They’ve tried various all-rounders and batsmen at the spots over the course of the decade but haven’t been able to find a stable option. With Virat Kohli at No. 3 and AB de Villiers at No. 4, the addition of Maxwell at No. 5 could make for one of the best middle-orders in the tournament and in the process, solve their finishing woes as well.

RCB have released a huge chunk of their players at the auction which clearly is a statement that they are set to spend big. It would thus, be no surprise if Maxwell is one of the players they have in their list of targets.

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Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a season to forget in 2020 as they finished outside the playoff spots for the first time in their history. Their batting line-up was unable to produce consistent performances and their middle-order found it difficult to finish off matches – something CSK had come to be known for. With an aging MS Dhoni, CSK only have all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to rely on.

The presence of a finisher higher up the order who can also accelerate early on could work wonders for the side. This is where Glenn Maxwell might fit in perfectly. CSK only have one overseas slot to fill at the auction and there is a big chance, it could be the Aussie who fills it.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (DC) had a more than decent season in 2020 as they finished as runners-up. Their line-up looked to have ticked all boxes and covered all bases. The lack of a reliable finisher however, seemed to be a worry. Marcus Stoinis essayed that role to good effect in the initial phase of the tournament but after Prithvi Shaw’s drop in form and the Australian’s promotion as opener, there didn’t seem to be a good finisher to count on.

This is where Maxwell could be a perfect fit. With Stoinis at the top of the order and the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Maxwell in the middle-order could make for a balanced line-up. Head-coach Ricky Ponting is a fan of the Aussie all-rounder as well and we might as well get to see him in DC colours next season.

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