Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Glenn Maxwell is at his explosive best in the IPL 2023 with 3 fifties in 7 matches so far and has often bailed out his team with his sheer display of power hitting.
After being reduced to 12/2 by Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, Maxwell launched a counter attack and went on to smash 44-ball 77 to help RCB eke out a narrow seven-run win in Bengluru.
Maxwell opened up on his dream run in the tournament as he enjoyed batting at No. 4 and the free hand he got the team management to express himself.
Maxwell struck six boundaries and four sixes during his knock while adding 127 runs with his captain Faf du Plessis (62) for the second wicket for the pair’s third century stand this season as their partnership took RCB to 189 for 9.
In reply, Rajasthan Royals fell short by seven runs as they could only manage 181 for 6 despite a late surge.
“It’s a position (No. 4) I don’t mind batting, I have done it for Australia when we lose early wickets. They (RCB) have given me the freedom to go out there and express myself,” Maxwell said at the post-match presentation.
“(I) came into the season with good form, and have that trust from the changeroom, that makes the difference. (The) new ball skidded on nicely, so we had to be busy and proactive. I think the way we ended the powerplay set the foundation, although there was a bit (of) chaos in the end,” he said.
The Royals fought back to take seven wickets for 50 runs in the RCB innings.
RCB stand-in captain Virat Kohli praised Maxwell and du Plessis as well as pacer Mohammed Siraj.
“We had this discussion during toss. The pitch looked dry and I mentioned to the guys they will have 10 overs under lights which is very difficult here. The advantage was the ball got scuffed up. However, with the impact player rule and the extra batter, games are always on. That’s why (there have been) so many close games,” he said.
“The counter-attack from Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) and Faf (du Plessis) was even better than the Chennai game, it was a better surface that day. Maxi took the game away in just four overs. We thought 160 might be enough but the way they batted helped us to 190.”
Kohli said Siraj, who dismissed Jos Buttler for a two-ball duck, has justified donning the Purple Cap.
“He’s Siraj) got him (Jos Buttler) out in the past and he’s bowling as well as I’ve ever seen. Running in with the new ball he shows that intent and the confidence, he has the Purple Cap and for good reason. He’s leading the attack and hopefully Josh (Hazlewood) comes in next game.”
