(BCCI Photo)
In a surprising turn of events, explosive Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell might be set to part ways with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Reports indicate that Maxwell has unfollowed RCB on Instagram, fueling speculation about his future with the franchise.
Maxwell, who has been a key player for RCB since 2021, has delivered some memorable performances in the IPL. However, his recent stint has been less than stellar. This season, the 35-year-old struggled significantly, managing only 52 runs across 10 innings with a low average of 5.78 and a strike rate of 120.93.
His form was so disappointing that he was dropped for several games, and he was dismissed for a duck in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). On the flip side, as an off-spinner, Maxwell secured six wickets with an average of 21.50 and an economy rate of 8.06.
Is Glenn Maxwell set to leave the Royal Challengers Bangalore?
Rumors are circulating that Glenn Maxwell has recently unfollowed the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Instagram. While it’s unclear whether Maxwell was following the franchise previously, social media X (formerly Twitter) has seen fans and RCB fan accounts discussing the development.
In the 2021 auction, the Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired Glenn Maxwell for a substantial Rs 14.25 crore. He was retained for Rs 11 crore for the subsequent three seasons. During his debut season with RCB in 2021, Maxwell amassed 513 runs with an impressive average of 42.75 and a strike rate of 144.10. In the following two seasons, he contributed 301 and 400 runs, respectively.
Royal Challengers Bangalore to release Faf du Plessis.
The Bengaluru-based franchise may consider parting ways with captain Faf du Plessis for the upcoming season. The team management is contemplating appointing an Indian player as captain, with KL Rahul—currently leading the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)—emerging as a potential candidate, especially if he exits his current franchise.
Du Plessis’ leadership has faced scrutiny due to mixed results in the IPL. In his first season as RCB’s captain in 2022, the team secured third place but was eliminated in the playoffs. The 2023 season saw RCB fail to advance to the playoffs, and while they endured six straight losses in 2024, they still managed to qualify for the playoffs.
RCB is one of the few IPL teams yet to claim a title despite participating in every season. The franchise has reached the finals three times: in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Critics have often pointed out the team’s over-reliance on a top-heavy batting lineup and a lack of a robust bowling attack.
The IPL owners and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 30, in Mumbai to discuss crucial matters including player retention policies, right-to-match options, and salary caps. This meeting will provide franchises with clarity on the number of players they can retain.
