Aakash Chopra slams Glenn Maxwell for lackluster performance in IPL 2024

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra criticized Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for his lackluster performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Aakash Chopra raised doubts about Glenn Maxwell's commitment to the team during the IPL 2024 Eliminator match.

The Faf du Plessis-led team faced a four-wicket loss at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22. The Bengaluru team was eliminated from the tournament following the loss to the Rajasthan Royals. The RCB team's loss ended their impressive season comeback and their quest for a title.

Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the RCB's innings. The Royal Challengers posted a total of 172 runs after being asked to bat first. The Royals chased down the target with an over to spare. Ravichandran Ashwin (2/19) was named 'Player of the Match' for his impressive bowling performance.

You Feel Whether Glenn Maxwell Cares Or Not - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra questioned Glenn Maxwell's casual approach during RCB's batting. The former Indian opener noted that Maxwell not only batted irresponsibly but also dropped a straightforward catch.

"Glenn Maxwell - what do you do Sir? Honestly speaking, I think he doesn't even have 70-80 runs in nine matches. 28 is probably his highest score and he has a strike rate of 120. Firstly, the shot he played - how, why, a player had just gotten out and you also slogged and got out. Is there no accountability?" Chopra said.

"The team might also be thinking that he is such a big player and they give him 10 crore rupees, so they expect you to show a little cricketing smarts and play for them just like he plays for Australia. Sometimes you feel whether he cares or not. Does he actually feel for the side that strongly? I am sure he does but the way he plays poses a question for sure. He also dropped a straightforward catch," he added.

Maxwell was dismissed without scoring in the recent match. The right-handed batter came to bat in the 13th over but was caught at long-on by Dhruv Jurel while attempting a lofted shot off Ravichandran Ashwin. Notably, young all-rounder Cameron Green was also dismissed off the previous ball.

The Australian cricketer scored only 52 runs in nine innings with a dismal average of 5.7 and a strike rate of 120.93. He was dismissed for a duck four times out of nine innings in the IPL 2024. However, he contributed with the ball, taking six wickets at an average of 21.50 and an economy rate of 8.06.

Don't Know Why They Sent Him - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator questioned RCB's decision to send Cameron Green to bat after Faf du Plessis was dismissed, noting that Rajat Patidar usually bats at No. 3 for RCB.

"Rajasthan won the toss and said they would bowl first, and the way Trent Boult bowled at the start. He conceded only six runs in three overs and got Faf du Plessis out. RCB said they would make a change this time, that every time they send Rajat Patidar at No. 3 but would send Cameron Green this time. Don't know why they sent him," Chopra further added.