As the IPL 2026 trade window on verge to get closed, one of the biggest talking points in franchise circles is the future of Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell.
Once a match-winner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Maxwell now finds himself on uncertain ground after a poor season with Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Maxwell’s Struggles with PBKS
Punjab Kings purchased Maxwell for Rs 4.2 crores ahead of IPL 2025, hoping his experience and aggressive intent would strengthen their middle order. However, the move didn’t go as planned. Maxwell managed just 48 runs at an average of eight and a strike rate below 100, before injury cut short his season. PBKS replaced him with Mitchell Owen, and with Maxwell now 37 years old, the franchise is expected to release him back into the auction pool.
RCB – A Team That Brought Out the Best in Maxwell
While Maxwell’s IPL journey has been a mixed bag across teams, his numbers for RCB tell a different story.
| Criterion | For RCB | For Other Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 52 | 89 |
| Runs | 1266 | 1553 |
| Average | 28.77 | 20.98 |
| Strike Rate | 159.25 | 152 |
| Wickets | 18 | 23 |
| Economy | 7.88 | 8.56 |
The data shows that Maxwell was far more impactful in RCB colours. He not only batted with greater consistency but also contributed more effectively with the ball.
Why Maxwell Thrived at RCB
The success story wasn’t just about numbers – it was about role clarity. At RCB, Maxwell had a defined job – take on the spinners and accelerate during the middle overs. With Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli opening the innings, and Rajat Patidar handling pace in the middle order, Maxwell had the freedom to attack spin and medium pace.
In fact, out of the 795 balls he faced for RCB, 508 came during the middle overs (7-15), from which he scored 749 runs at a strike rate of 147.4, a clear sign of how well the team utilized his strengths.
In Punjab, though, the story was different. He was often pushed down to No. 6, getting fewer balls to face and less time to settle. The lack of a defined role and inconsistent batting positions hurt his rhythm.
Livingstone Gamble
After Maxwell’s exit, RCB turned to Liam Livingstone for the same role in IPL 2025. But the English allrounder failed to meet expectations, scoring only 112 runs at an average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33, despite being bought for Rs 8.75 crores.
| Criterion | Maxwell | Livingstone |
|---|---|---|
| Innings | 97 | 33 |
| Runs | 1780 | 540 |
| Average | 26.6 | 30 |
| Strike Rate | 152.3 | 138.8 |
| Dot % | 34.3 | 32.1 |
| Boundary Runs % | 65.16 | 60 |
Even though Livingstone has a slightly better average, Maxwell’s higher strike rate and boundary percentage show his superior impact, especially in crunch overs against spin.
Why RCB Should Bring Maxwell Back
With RCB likely to release Livingstone, bringing Maxwell back could be a masterstroke. His experience, adaptability, and proven record at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium make him the perfect fit for RCB’s middle order.
Moreover, Maxwell’s market value is expected to drop after his recent poor season, meaning RCB could potentially sign him at a much lower price than before. Pairing him again with Patidar, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd could give RCB a balanced and explosive middle order.
What RCB will do?
Glenn Maxwell’s time with PBKS may not have gone well, but history shows he’s a player who thrives when given clarity and confidence. RCB offered him both and in return, he offered them match-winning performances.