In the world of cricket, controversies often take center stage, especially during the IPL season. With the next IPL season approaching, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has reignited an old controversy involving former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag. In his autobiography titled Glenn Maxwell – The Showman, Maxwell shares a shocking incident from 2017 that has stirred discussions among fans and cricket pundits alike.
Background of the Controversy
Maxwell joined Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2014 and initially had a strong performance, eventually being appointed as the team captain in the 2017 season. That year, Sehwag took on the role of the team’s Director of Cricket. However, the season ended disastrously for Punjab Kings. They suffered a humiliating defeat, getting bowled out for just 73 runs in their final match against Rising Pune Super Giants, leading to their elimination from playoff contention by a mere two points.
The Fallout from the Final Match
After the disappointing match, Maxwell felt it was his duty as captain to face the media and answer their questions. However, according to his account, Sehwag intervened and insisted on attending the press conference instead. This decision marked the beginning of a rift between the two.
Upon boarding the team bus after the match, Maxwell discovered that he had been removed from the team’s main WhatsApp group, which left him puzzled. Upon reaching the team hotel, he began receiving messages indicating that Sehwag had publicly criticized him during the press conference, accusing him of failing to take responsibility as the team captain.
The Heated Exchange
Feeling deeply hurt and confused, Maxwell decided to reach out to Sehwag to express his disappointment. In his message, he explained how Sehwag’s remarks had impacted him and mentioned that he felt betrayed, especially since he believed they had a good rapport. The response from Sehwag was blunt and dismissive: “There is no need of a fan like you,” he reportedly replied.
Since that incident, Maxwell claims there has been no further communication between him and Sehwag, marking the end of what seemed to be a promising relationship. Following this, Maxwell expressed to the team owners that if Sehwag remained involved with the franchise, he would rather not be considered for selection. Interestingly, Sehwag was dropped from the team the following season, highlighting the tension that had developed during that period.
Maxwell’s IPL Journey: A Mixed Bag
Glenn Maxwell’s career in the IPL has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. Despite his remarkable contributions to Australia’s success in the ODI and T20 World Cups, his IPL journey has often drawn criticism. He has been sold for substantial amounts in auctions, yet his performances have frequently fallen short of expectations.
Out of the last 10-11 IPL seasons, only two or three have seen Maxwell genuinely shine and contribute significantly to his team’s success. This inconsistency has made him a target for criticism, particularly from former Indian players who have not hesitated to voice their disappointment regarding his performance.
The Impact on Maxwell’s Career
Maxwell’s revelations about his time with Sehwag add another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous career. The public nature of their fallout and the allegations of unprofessional behavior could potentially impact how he is viewed in the cricket community. Fans and analysts are now left wondering how this episode will affect both Maxwell’s career and the legacy of Sehwag, a player who was once revered for his fearless batting and leadership.
As discussions around the IPL heat up and the new season approaches, Maxwell’s revelations serve as a reminder of the challenges players face both on and off the field. The cricketing world watches with keen interest as this story unfolds, particularly as Maxwell prepares to navigate his future in the sport.
