Glenn Maxwell’s Poor Performance Continues fo Punjab Kings in IPL 2025

Glenn Maxwell’s return to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025 was met with high expectations. Acquired for INR 4.2 crore in the 2025 auction, fans and analysts anticipated the Australian all-rounder to replicate his past successes with the franchise. However, Maxwell has struggled to find his form, delivering underwhelming performances. This article explores Maxwell’s poor showing in IPL 2025, analyzing his statistics, dissecting his struggles, and comparing his contributions to those of other overseas players in the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2025 Stats

Batting Performance

Maxwell’s batting has been a major disappointment this season. In his last five innings (up to April 26, 2025), he has scored just 41 runs, with individual scores of:

• 7 (vs KKR)

• 3 (vs SRH)

• 1 (vs CSK)

• 30 (vs RR)

• Did not bat (vs LSG)

He also scored 0 against the Gujarat Titans (GT). His highest score of the season is 30, achieved against Rajasthan Royals. Assuming he was dismissed in every innings, his batting average over these five innings is a mere 8.2, even worse than Priyansh Arya, a newbie in IPL.

Bowling Performance

While his batting has faltered, Maxwell has provided some value with the ball. His bowling figures in recent matches include:

• 1/5 (vs KKR)

• 0/40 (vs SRH)

• 1/11 (vs CSK)

• 0/6 (vs RR)

• 1/22 (vs LSG)

• 1/26 (vs GT)

Despite these contributions, his primary role as a batsman has overshadowed his modest bowling efforts; he also performed poorly in the CT 2025 semi-final against India.

Recent Match Details

In his most recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Mullanpur, Maxwell scored 7 runs off 10 balls and took 1 wicket for 5 runs. This performance typifies his season: minimal impact with the bat and occasional support with the ball, like the godfather.

Overall IPL Career (as of 2025)

Maxwell has played 141 IPL matches, with notable highs including 513 runs in IPL 2021 and 400 runs in IPL 2023. However, his 2025 season stands in stark contrast to these past achievements.

Summary Table: Maxwell’s IPL 2025 Batting (Last 5 Innings)

Key Takeaways

• Maxwell has scored only 41 runs in his last five innings, with a highest score of 30.

• His bowling offers some respite but fails to offset his batting struggles, like South Africa in ICC Events.

• Despite his strong IPL pedigree, Maxwell’s 2025 season has been lackluster.

Reasons for Glenn Maxwell’s Poor Performance in IPL 2025

1. Persistent Struggles Against Spin

Maxwell has been vulnerable to spin bowling, with four of his five dismissals in IPL 2025 coming against spinners. This is a significant departure from his time at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he dominated spin. Since IPL 2024, his average against spin has plummeted to 4.87.

2. Declining Form and Confidence

Since IPL 2024, Maxwell’s form has deteriorated sharply. Over 14 innings across two seasons, he has scored just 93 runs at an average of 6.64, including five ducks. This prolonged slump has eroded his confidence, leading to frequent low scores.

3. Role Change and Added Pressure

At PBKS, Maxwell is a primary overseas batsman and bats lower in the order, unlike his RCB stint, where he played with less pressure alongside established stars. Former RCB coach Sanjay Bangar suggests this increased responsibility may stifle his natural game, as he knows how it feels to be on the losing side against Zimbabwe.

4. Over-Attacking and Casual Approach

Analysts, including Cheteshwar Pujara, have criticized Maxwell’s overly aggressive and casual batting style. Pujara argues that Maxwell needs to balance aggression with responsibility, particularly when out of form.

5. Technical and Mental Challenges

Maxwell has struggled to read quality spin, exemplified by his dismissal to Varun Chakaravarthy’s googly against KKR. This technical flaw and the mental toll of repeated failures have deepened his struggles.

6. Age and Physical Factors

At 37, Maxwell may be past his physical peak, potentially impacting his ability to dominate as he once did.

Summary Table: Key Factors Behind Maxwell’s IPL 2025 Struggles

Conclusion

Maxwell’s poor performance stems from technical weaknesses against spin, declining form, increased pressure in a new role, an overly aggressive approach, and possible age-related decline. These factors have cast doubts over his role in the PBKS lineup, captained by Shreyas Iyer, who was a key factor in the CT 2025 win by Team India.

Glenn Maxwell vs Other Overseas Players in IPL 2025

Maxwell’s Performance in IPL 2025

• Runs: 41–48 in 6 innings (under 50 runs total)

• Average: 8.0

• Strike Rate: 97

• Wickets: 3 wickets in 3 matches (average 21.67, strike rate 16.00)

Maxwell’s season has been labeled a “flop show,” with negligible batting impact.

Top Overseas Performers in IPL 2025

Several overseas players have outshone Maxwell:

• Nicholas Pooran (LSG): High strike rate (204.89), consistent heavy scoring.

• Faf du Plessis (DC): 79 runs in 2 matches, average 39.50, strike rate 175.56.

• Travis Head (SRH): Top run-scorer, impactful opener.

• Heinrich Klaasen (SRH): Key finisher, among top overseas batsmen.

• Others (e.g., Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell, Jos Buttler): Significant team contributions.

Comparative Table: Maxwell vs. Top Overseas Batters

Final Thoughts

Maxwell’s batting is among the weakest of regular overseas players in IPL 2025. Stars like Pooran, du Plessis, Head, and Klaasen have far surpassed him in runs, average, and strike rate. His bowling offers some redemption, but it pales against the impact of other overseas all-rounders.

Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2025 season with the Punjab Kings has been a tale of unfulfilled promise. Once a game-changer, he has struggled to adapt, leaving PBKS reliant on his sporadic bowling contributions. Compared to the stellar performances of other overseas players, Maxwell’s form stands out as a significant underachievement. As the season continues, PBKS will hope for a revival, but its current trajectory suggests a challenging road ahead.