IPL Auction 2025: Glenn Maxwell breaks silence on RCB releasing him before Mega Auction
Published - 06 Nov 2024, 03:15 PM | Updated - 06 Nov 2024, 03:16 PM
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Australian batter Glenn Maxwell shared that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) informed him that he would not be retained for the IPL 2025 mega auction. Glenn Maxwell praised RCB management, especially Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, for handling his departure well and explaining the reasons behind it.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru named Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar as their retained players for IPL 2025. They released the rest of the squad, including their overseas players. Glenn Maxwell, who has been with the Bengaluru team since 2021, was not retained but had a rather 'beautiful' exit.
Glenn Maxwell Bought For ₹14.25 Crore Ahead Of IPL 2021
RCB bought Maxwell for ₹14.25 crore ahead of IPL 2021. The all-rounder has scored 1,266 runs in 52 IPL matches for RCB, including 12 half-centuries. He played a key role in RCB’s destructive middle order alongside former skipper Virat Kohli and legendary batter AB de Villiers in 2021 and 2022.
However, Maxwell had a tough 2024 season with RCB. He scored only 52 runs from nine innings at a poor average of 5.77. The 36-year-old has also struggled to perform for Australia in recent series. However, his experience and bowling skills still make him a valuable asset for teams in the IPL 2025 season.
I Was Happy With That - Glenn Maxwell
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo's Around the Wicket, Maxwell revealed how he had a constructive conversation with RCB management before being released. He described the meeting as a "beautiful exit" where they discussed the team's strategy and plans for about half an hour.
“I got a phone call from Mo Bobat and Andy Flower. I sat there on a Zoom call, and they sort of explained to me the decision not to be retained,” Maxwell said.
"And, it was actually a really beautiful exit meeting, if that if that could be possible. We ended up talking about the game for about half an hour and talking about their strategy and what they were looking to get to do, going forward. So, I was really happy with that,” he added.
I Wouldn't Say My RCB Journey's Over - Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell hoped that his journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru wasn't over. The all-rounder also highlighted that he would love to return to RCB in the future, describing it as a great franchise to play for.
"Completely understand what they the direction they're heading in. They went, with three unions to build that core. And, yeah, hopefully their overseas can complement, those locals. Yeah, I wouldn't say my RCB journey's over, but, yeah, I'd certainly love to get back there. It was a great franchise to play for and really enjoyed my time there," Maxwell said in the same interaction.
RCB enters the IPL 2025 mega-auction with the second-largest purse, only behind Punjab Kings. After retaining just three players, they also have the option to use three RTM (Right to Match) cards to bring back former players if desired. The auction is set to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.
