In a surprising revelation, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Glenn Maxwell admitted he asked the team management to drop him from the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, citing the need for a physical and mental break after a poor run of form.
Despite the change, RCB’s fortunes did not turn around as they suffered another defeat in the high-scoring encounter, with SRH smashing their own record by scoring 287 runs in the first innings. RCB put up a valiant chase but fell short by 25 runs in the end.
The supporters were taken aback by Maxwell’s absence from the team sheet. However, the Australian batter explained his decision, saying, “Last night I went to Faf and the coaching staff and said, ‘I think it’s time you play someone else in my place.’ I felt I needed a physical and mental break.”
He added, “Sometimes it’s a case of not being able to get away with certain things. The run-in I had prior to the IPL 2024 has been the best six months of my career. I thought I was in a pretty good shape to turn up and contribute for the team, but unfortunately, it has not been the case.”
Despite RCB’s sixth loss in seven games, Maxwell expressed that the team has remained tight-knit as a group. “Surprisingly, we have been very tight-knit as a group despite the defeats. Last night, before our practice session, we had a really nice chat where everybody opened up on where we were and where we needed to be. We are honest and open about our chances and the things we are lacking,” he said.
