IPL 2024: “This is not Maxwell but Miniwell” – Aakash Chopra on Glenn Maxwell’s poor form

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Glenn Maxwell’s poor form in the ongoing Indian Premier League while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Maxwell has managed only 36 runs in eight matches at a mundane average of 5.14 and a strike rate of 97.29.

The Australian asked for a break during the middle phase of the tournament because of his poor form but he was dismissed after scoring only four runs against Gujarat Titans at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday in the run-chase of 148.

After 92 runs were added by RCB openers – Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis – the hosts lost six wickets for 25 runs.

“RCB scored more than 90 in the first six overs but after that wickets started falling and it seemed like an action replay was on. First Faf got out to a bouncer. Rajat Patidar came as an impact sub and hit it straight to the fielder. Then Glenn Maxwell came and he too hit the ball straight to the fielder,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“We were checking whether it was a replay. Parthiv Patel got excited as well and said that he (Maxwell) is the most overrated player in the IPL at the moment. To be very honest, what has he done this year? Maxwell has not come at all this year. This is not Maxwell but Miniwell. Then Cameron Green also got out and Joshua Little picked up four wickets,” the former India opener added.

The renowned commentator also lauded the opening duo of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. Faf scored a blistering knock of 64 off 23 balls, reaching his fifty off just 18 balls whereas Kohli scored 42 off 27 balls. The RCB openers added 92 runs for the opening alliance in the first six overs.

“The way Faf and Kohli started hitting, it seemed like they were taking their past lives’ revenge. They said they won’t spare them no matter what they bowl. Faf was absolutely stellar till the time he was there. His half-century was probably the second-fastest in RCB’s history,” he said.

“The captain played boldly. He was Bengaluru’s royal captain. He batted extremely well. Virat Kohli was there with him. He was also batting well although he was playing second fiddle at that stage as Faf was hitting. However, when it was his turn, he too played big shots,” the renowned commentator added.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next take on Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Thursday.