Why Could Glenn Maxwell Hold The Key For PBKS Against CSK Despite Poor Form?

Glenn Maxwell [Source: @tinda_punjabii10/X]

As Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the spin-friendly Chepauk Stadium in IPL 2025, all eyes will be on Glenn Maxwell. Despite a string of poor performances this season, Maxwell’s unique skill set especially against spin and with the ball could prove pivotal for PBKS in this crucial encounter. 

Here’s an analytical look at why Glenn Maxwell remains an important asset for Punjab, even amid calls for his exclusion from this season of IPL.

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Maxwell’s Horrible Form and Why People Are Demanding His Exclusion

Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2025 campaign has been a major disappointment so far. In his last six innings, Maxwell has scored just 48 runs, with scores of 7, 7, 3, 1, 30, and a duck, averaging a mere 8 runs. This is a stark contrast to his earlier IPL years, where he was known as a devastating hitter at any stage of the game.

Critics and fans alike have questioned Maxwell’s place in the PBKS XI, especially given his low strike rate and inability to convert starts into impactful innings. 

Analysts have also pointed out his overly aggressive approach and lack of balance between attack and caution. However, despite his batting woes, Maxwell has chipped in with the ball, taking key wickets and providing crucial overs. 

This dual role makes it difficult for PBKS to simply drop him, especially given the limited overseas options and the value he adds as a spinner.

Maxwell Is Punjab’s Biggest Hope vs Spin After Iyer

While Shreyas Iyer remains PBKS’s best player against spin, Maxwell is arguably their second-best hope to counter CSK’s formidable spin attack at Chepauk-a venue where spinners dominate.  Historically, Maxwell has been a natural against spin.

According to IPL stats, he holds a strike rate of 161.8 against spin bowling, highlighting his ability to score quickly off spinners. 

Table - Maxwell's Stats against Spin in IPL

His IPL career has seen him hit 88 boundaries against spin bowling. This season, Maxwell’s struggles have been unusual, but his overall skill set and experience in playing spin remain valuable. 

With Marcus Stoinis less comfortable against spin, Maxwell’s presence becomes even more critical at Chepauk, where the pitch offers turns that can trouble less adept players. 

Table - Maxwell's IPL stats at Chepauk

A good Chepauk performance could help him regain confidence and provide PBKS with a solid platform against the spin-heavy CSK attack.

Maxwell’s Potential With the Ball Against CSK

Maxwell’s off-spin bowling offers PBKS an important tactical weapon at Chepauk. CSK’s batting lineup includes several left-handers as Sam Curran, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja -against whom Maxwell’s spin can be particularly effective. 

Table - Maxwell's stats with ball vs left-hand batters in T20s

His ability to bowl tight overs and pick wickets makes him a valuable asset in containing CSK’s middle order. Chepauk’s pitch assists spinners with consistent bounce and sharp turns, and Maxwell’s experience allows him to exploit these conditions.  Moreover, Maxwell’s variations and control in the death overs can put pressure on CSK’s finishers.

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