Hardik Pandya vs Glenn Maxwell IPL comparison [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @PunjabKingsIPL/x.com]
When you talk about all-rounders who can turn an IPL match on its head, two names almost always spark debate: Hardik Pandya and Glenn Maxwell. Both have a knack for stealing the show but they do it in their own signature styles.
Over the years, both have had purple patches and dry spells. Both have fetched hefty IPL contracts, delivered match-winning knocks and picked up crucial wickets.
However, their impact isn’t built the same way. Pandya is someone who thrives on consistency, versatility and leadership value. Maxwell thrives on bursts of brilliance that can change a game in minutes.
So, who really comes out on top when we pit them head-to-head? Let’s analyse Haridk Pandya vs Glenn Maxwell in the IPL.
Hardik Pandya’s IPL journey
Hardik Pandya burst into the IPL in 2015 with Mumbai Indians as an unknown quantity from Baroda and it didn’t take long for him to grab headlines. A knock of 61* off 31 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 in a must-win game instantly marked him as a finisher to watch.
From there, he became MI’s Swiss army knife: batting anywhere from No. 5 to No. 7, bowling useful seam overs and pulling off game-changing catches. By 2019, he was smashing runs at a strike rate close to 192 and was one of the league’s most feared finishers.
Then came 2022 , the defining chapter. Released by MI, drafted by Gujarat Titans and handed the captaincy, Pandya didn’t just rise to the occasion; he owned it. He led GT to the title in their debut season, scored 487 runs, and bowled critical overs under pressure. The following year, he took them to another final, cementing his leadership credentials.
A return to MI in 2024 brought challenges: crowd boos, a poor season for the team but Pandya still showed his all-round value. In 2025, he answered critics with a sharper strike rate, 14 wickets and a five-fer and proved that the flame is far from out.
Glenn Maxwell’s IPL Journey
Glenn Maxwell’s IPL career has been full of dizzying highs and frustrating lows. His debut in 2012 with Delhi Daredevils was quiet but the big break came in 2014 with Kings XI Punjab. That season was a spectacle with 552 runs at a blistering 187.75 strike rate, match-winning knocks for fun and a fearless approach that left bowlers shaking their heads. He became the poster boy for fearless middle-order hitting.
But the IPL can be unforgiving. The years after 2014 were a mixed bag: a few cameos, some lean runs, and the occasional flash of brilliance. But his move to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021 revived the Maxwell magic. That year, he smashed 513 runs, followed by 301 in 2022 and a superb 400 at 183.49 in 2023, once again proving he could be a match-winner in the middle overs.
However, the last two years have been rough. In 2024 and 2025, the runs dried up badly, with averages under 10, even though his bowling still chipped in with useful overs. Bought by Punjab Kings in 2025 for INR 4.2 crore, Maxwell had another underwhelming season.
Hardik Pandya vs Glenn Maxwell IPL Batting Stats Comparison
Stats
Hardik Pandya
Glenn Maxwell
Matches
152
141
Runs
2749
2819
Average
28.34
23.89
Strike Rate
146.93
155.15
Highest Score
91
95
100s
0
0
50s
10
18
4s
207
237
6s
148
161
Catches
72
52
Takeaways
Maxwell Edges On Raw Firepower
Higher strike rate (155.15) means he scores faster, ideal for smashing spinners in the middle overs.
Leads in fours (237) and sixes (161) which shows his boundary-hitting dominance.
More fifties (18 vs Pandya’s 10), proves he has crossed the halfway mark more often.
Pandya Wins On Consistency And Adaptability
Better average (28.34 vs 23.89) shows his ability to stay till the end and guide chases.
Plays multiple batting roles from anchoring at No. 4 to finishing at No. 7 without losing effectiveness.
Neither Has Cracked A Century Yet
Pandya’s best is 91, Maxwell’s is 95. Both have come close but neither has hit the magical three figures.
Role Shapes The Numbers
Maxwell’s numbers reflect a risk-heavy, momentum-shifting approach.
Pandya’s stats show calculated aggression with the option to build an innings.
Hardik Pandya vs Glenn Maxwell IPL Bowling Stats Comparison
Stats
Hardik Pandya
Glenn Maxwell
Matches
152
141
Wickets
78
41
Average
31.95
34.46
Economy
9.18
8.30
Best Figures
5/36
2/15
Strike-Rate
20.87
24.93
4 Wicket Hauls
0
0
5 Wicket Hauls
1
0
Takeaways
Pandya Leads On Wicket-Taking Impact
78 wickets vs Maxwell’s 41, which is nearly double the tally, thanks to bowling more overs and in tougher match situations.
Better strike rate (20.87 vs 24.93), meaning he gets a wicket quicker than Maxwell on average.
Maxwell Is The More Economical Bowler
Economy rate of 8.30 vs Pandya’s 9.18 shows Maxwell’s ability to contain runs, often bowling against specific match-ups like left-handers.
His role is more about control than breakthroughs.
Pandya Owns The Big Match Haul
Hardik has bagged a five-wicket haul (5/36 in 2025 which shows his potential to win games with the ball alone.
Maxwell’s best is 2/15: effective, but not game-breaking.
Different Bowling Roles Influence Numbers
Pandya bowls seam, often in powerplays and at the death, which means bowling high-risk overs where wickets come but so do runs.
Maxwell bowls off-spin mostly in middle overs, controlling tempo but rarely attacking for wickets.
Hardik Pandya vs Glenn Maxwell IPL Salary Comparison
Year
Hardik Pandya
Glenn Maxwell
2025
INR 16.35 crore (MI)
INR 4.20 crore (PBKS)
2024
INR 15 crore (MI)
INR 11.00 crore (RCB)
2023
INR 15 crore (GT)
INR 11.00 crore (RCB)
2022
INR 15 crore (GT)
INR 11.00 crore (RCB)
2021
INR 11 crore (MI)
INR 14.25 crore (RCB)
2020
INR 11 crore (MI)
INR 10.75 crore (RCB)
2019
INR 11 crore (MI)
INR 6 crore (PBKS)
2018
INR 11 crore (MI)
INR 9.00 crore (DD)
2017
INR 10 lakh (MI)
INR 6.00 crore (KXIP)
2016
INR 10 lakh (MI)
INR 6.00 crore (KXIP)
2015
INR 10 lakh (MI)
INR 6.00 crore (KXIP)
2014
-
INR 6.00 crore (KXIP)
2013
-
INR 5.33 crore (MI)
2012
-
INR 10.05 lakh (DD)
Conclusion
When you stack up the numbers, the roles and even the price tags, Hardik Pandya comes across as the more rounded package: a consistent run-getter, a proven wicket-taker, a safe fielder and a title-winning captain whose value in the IPL market has stayed rock solid.
On the other hand, Glenn Maxwell is the definition of an X-factor player who is capable of flipping a game on its head in a handful of overs, but with a career graph that has swung between fireworks and fadeouts.
If you are building a side for stability, leadership and all-round dependability, Pandya is your man. If you are hunting for a game-breaker who can blow the roof off on his day, you still take a punt on Maxwell.
And that’s the beauty of this battle as both bring a brand of cricket that keeps the IPL unpredictable and unmissable!