Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his calm demeanour and methodical cricketing mind, didn’t hold back when asked about Glenn Maxwell’s ongoing struggles in the IPL 2025 season. The seasoned Indian batter delivered a sharp critique of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder, questioning his commitment and suggesting that Maxwell’s place in the XI should now come under serious scrutiny.
Maxwell, picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹4.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, was expected to deliver as a key overseas asset. Instead, his numbers this season tell a tale of disappointment. With just 41 runs from five innings at an average of 8.20 — including a golden duck in the season opener — Maxwell has been a shadow of his explosive best. His contribution with the ball hasn’t been game-changing either: four wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 8.46.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t mince words. “He hasn’t changed much. He’s still the same player we saw eight or ten years ago — talented, yes, but far too casual in his approach,” he said. The Indian batter emphasized that a player at Maxwell’s level must display more intent and responsibility. “You’re not just playing a game — you’re representing a franchise, and there’s a lot at stake. That sense of urgency has to be visible, and I’m not sure it is.”
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Pujara continued, “I’m sure he wants to perform, but when you’re consistently failing, you need to reassess your mindset. There’s a very fine line between being relaxed and being careless.”
It’s not just this season that’s gone wrong for Maxwell. In IPL 2024, he had managed just 52 runs in nine matches at a paltry average of 5.77. While he contributed with the ball, taking six wickets, his primary role as a power-hitter hasn’t yielded the returns expected by PBKS.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar offered a more optimistic view. He felt Maxwell’s recent shift in approach — taking time to settle before going for big shots — was a step in the right direction. “In the initial matches, he looked to go big from ball one. But in the last couple of innings, he’s tried to build his innings. Had he started the season like this, maybe the pressure would’ve been less,” Bangar noted.
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Punjab Kings are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Interestingly, both Maxwell and Yuzvendra Chahal know the venue well from their RCB days. With RCB’s batters struggling against spin — as seen against the likes of Sai Kishore and Kuldeep Yadav, Maxwell’s bowling could still be an asset. His place in the XI may survive for now, but the clock is ticking.
