Gautam Gambhir Explains Why KXIP Have Persisted With 'Out Of Form' Glenn Maxwell In IPL 2020

Glenn Maxwell, Australia and Kings XI Punjab swashbuckling middle-order batsman, has endured yet another horrendous season with the bat in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. The Australian superstar, who had raked up Rs 10.5 Crores in the 2019 IPL auctions, has once again failed to live up to the hype that reaches its crescendo every time an IPL season rolls around.

Maxwell has thus far managed 102 runs in 10 innings at an average of 14.57 and a strike-rate of 102, and he is yet to hit a six in the ongoing season.

Despite his struggles with the bat, Glenn Maxwell has continued to feature in Kings XI Punjab’s starting 11, and while many experts feel it is because of the handy off-spin that is still keeping him in the side, former Indian opener, Gautam Gambhir has reckoned that the fact that KXIP has brought the Aussie at such a hefty price and the absence of a suitable replacement has left the team-management with no choice but to play him.

”Who do you replace with Glenn Maxwell with? You have spent so much money on him? You’ve tried him at no. 3, you have tried him at no. 4. Probably this was the ideal bowling line-up to actually see the best of Maxwell. But he has struggled clearly in this season,” Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo.

‘It is hurting Kings XI big time’- Gautam Gambhir on Glenn Maxwell’s form

Gautam Gambhir further added that Glenn Maxwell’s horrendous form is hurting Kings XI Punjab big time. He further reckoned that had Maxwell been playing for a different franchise, he wouldn’t have enjoyed such an extended run like the KXIP management has given him.

”Probably one of the worst seasons he is having as a player. It is hurting Kings XI big time because they have so much expectations from Glenn Maxwell and he just couldn’t deliver, probably from the start till now,” he added.

“Had he been with any other franchise, I don’t think he would have been given such a long run. But Kings XI have stuck with him,” Gambhir opined.

Meanwhile, KXIP are on a five-match winning streak and as the race to the playoffs intensifies, they will hope that the Australian regains his form in the nick of time.

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