Glenn Maxwell says he was not surprised that the Royal Challengers Bangalore splurged out INR 14.25 crore for him at the February auction for IPL 2021. Despite having a forgettable tournament last season – 108 runs at a strike rate of 101.88 without a single six – for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), the Australia all-rounder set a bidding war between RCB and Chennai Super Kings, with the former acquiring his services finally.
Glenn Maxwell points out that many teams were looking for a middle-order batting all-rounder in the auction, and he fit the bill perfectly, – hence, he wasn’t much surprised by the big amount of money RCB roped him in for.
The 32-year-old has earlier as well had extremely fruitful IPL auctions – he was bought for over 5 crores by Mumbai Indians in 2013; for 6 crores by Punjab next season; 9 crores by Delhi in 2018 and 10.75 crores before last season, again by Punjab.
“Not really [surprised], I thought there might be a little bit of interest. I think a lot of teams want that middle-order player, I knew there were a couple of teams who were looking for a middle-order player who can bowl off-spin as well. I am just glad two teams went hard for me and in the end, RCB got hold of me,” Glenn Maxwell explained in a video released by the franchise.
Want to make sure that everything I do has a positive influence on the group: Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell wants to have a “positive influence” on the Virat Kohli-led squad. Ahead of the IPL, the Victorian played a blinder of an innings in a T20I against New Zealand– in the third T20I he smashed 70 runs off just 31 deliveries helping Australia to 208.
“I suppose for me, I am so excited to get going again. New team, new tournament, we are back in India, I am excited to get stuck in. It was nice to see some friendly faces and just get some of that energy that you have been conserving during the seven-day quarantine.
“I want to have a positive influence on the group, if I see improvement in the whole squad, I want to make sure that everything I do has a positive influence on the group,” he added.
Virat Kohli will lead RCB into the season opener on April 9th against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai.
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