Virender Sehwag questions Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone’s hunger in IPL amid series of poor outings 

Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone have come under scrutiny from Virender Sehwag after their poor showing so far at the IPL.

Virender Sehwag questions Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone’s hunger in IPL amid series of poor outings 

Virender Sehwag slammed overseas stars Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone for their poor display in the IPL. (via NDTV Sports)

Ex-India opener Virender Sehwag hit out at two overseas IPL stars, Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone, over their poor display in the competition, this season. Sehwag even went on to claim that the two all-rounders have come to India only for a holiday, rather than playing well in the IPL. 

Glenn Maxwell was picked up by his former franchise Punjab Kings, at the 2025 Mega Auction, marking his return to the franchise after five years. Between 2021 to 2024, Maxwell played at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he amassed over 1266 runs and claimed 18 wickets. However, Maxwell’s homecoming has been unpleasant, having scored just 41 runs at an average of just 8.20 in six matches this season. 

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Englishman Liam Livingstone’s performances have been equally disappointing, after he made a INR 8.75 crore switch to RCB this season, from PBKS. The 31-year-old middle-order batter has been able to score just 87 runs in seven matches this season, at a poor average of 17.40 and a strike rate of just 127.94. His only memorable innings was a 40-ball 54 against Gujarat Titans, to help his side post 169 runs. 

Both Maxwell and Livingstone, as a result of their poor run-scoring display, have been dropped from the playing XI of their respective franchises. This has prompted former India opener Virender Sehwag to lash out at them. The 46-year-old, who does mince words when it comes to criticizing players, exclaimed that Maxwell and Livingstone lack the desire to make a significant contribution.

Sehwag added that the two players do not have the ‘hunger’ to win the IPL trophy for their teams. While noting the attitude of overseas stars in the IPL, he also went on to claim that many of the players come to India only to spend their holidays, and are not passionate about their teams. Moreover, the former opener also stated that a very few overseas players have been serious about performing in the IPL.

[Glenn] Maxwell, [Liam] Livingstone have no hunger anymore. They come to India to spend their holidays. It’s not like they love their teams, or that they are passionate about winning games for them.

Virender Sehwag on the two overseas players (H/T India Today)

The former India opener hailed legends David Warner and AB de Villiers as the two exceptional overseas players. Sehwag recalled that several West Indian and Sri Lankan players were only interested in partying, during his playing era. Nonetheless, Virender Sehwag’s recent criticism of Glenn Maxwell reminded many of the tumultuous relationship that the two had, during their time together at PBKS.

I have played with a lot of overseas players, out of which maybe one or two of them had the hunger. These other guys only talk and do not show any performance on the field.

The Australian all-rounder, back in 2017, had claimed that Sehwag’s monopoly as mentor in selection damaged the team. In the past, Sehwag had infamously called Maxwell, a ‘10-crore cheerleader’, while accusing him of being more interested in golf and drinking over the IPL. 

Virender Sehwag praises Virat Kohli’s finishing abilities, following RCB’s victory over PBKS

Former Indian cricketer-turned commentator Virender Sehwag was full of praise for RCB star Virat Kohli, after he guided the team to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over PBKS. The 36-year-old helped his side chase down a target of 158 runs, remaining unbeaten on 73 runs off 54 balls. 

Virat Kohli Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag praised RCB star Virat Kohli’s finishing abilities. (via India Today)

Kohli’s calm approach throughout the innings drew high praise from Sehwag, who went on to label the IPL veteran as a ‘legend’. He stated that Kohli has finished matches countless times, both for RCB and the Indian national team. He even added that the Kohli has the quality to stay not out and take his team over the line, something that very few others have. 

Meanwhile, for Virat Kohli, it marked his fourth half-century of the tournament, taking his season tally to 322 runs in eight matches, scoring at an average of 64.40. He also managed to surpass David Warner’s record of the most 50+ scores in the history of the competition, having 67 of them now.