Dubai: When the unheralded Australian Glenn Maxwell was roped in by Mumbai Indians in the 2013 auction for a whopping $1 million (Dh3.67 million), the question on everybody’s lips was: “Maxwell, who?”
In a little over an year, the scenario has changed for the thinly-built Victorian has already built a reputation for himself as one of the cleanest hitters of the game — whose unbelievable effort of 95 off 43 balls steered King’s XI Punjab to a winning start in the seventh edition of IPL on Friday. Maxwell, alongwith David Miller of South Africa (54 not out), helped them overhaul Chennai Super King’s huge total of 205 at the Shaikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
In an interview with Gulf News on the eve of their second match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, Maxwell spoke about his match-winning innings, his philosophy of batting and long term goals as a player. Following are the excerpts:
When King’s XI Punjab collapsed to 52 for three, did you think you were in with a chance of overhauling a 200-plus target?
It was tough but I knew we had a good batting line-up and if we would keep up with the run-rate, we had a chance that we could still do it.
How do you usually plan your innings in a T-20 situation like this?
I generally try to take it ball by ball and yes, you try to pick up bowlers to be hit. However, I don’t try to think too far ahead and take things as they come.
The switch-hits which you executed adorned most of the newspapers here today. How often do you practice it at the nets?
I practise it but don’t often hit it unless the situation demands. I try to make sure to get the basics right but the shot came handy.
Do you think it will help your confidence level this season since you are assured of a regular place in this team?
Yes, it does make a difference when you are assured of a regular berth in the team. I was with the Mumbai Indians in IPL VI last year when I didn’t get as many matches. It’s a nice feeling but then you have got to keep on performing well to retain your place in any team.
This being your second season in the IPL, how would you rate the difference between the set-up of Mumbai Indians and King’s XI Punjab?
I would say that the atmosphere is a little more relaxed there. Last year in Mumbai, we had an incredible squad with the international players also performing well. To that extent, we have a little less external pressure for people don’t really expect us to be a powerhouse side but we really have a well-balanced team and want on keep a consistent performance and reach the business-end of the tournament. If you look at the Chennai team, they have got half the Indian squad there alongwith so many international names and hence, it was no mean task to beat them.
Your Test career may be at a nascent stage, but are you taking heart from David Warner’s growth from T-20 success to an all around player?
I must say Warner has been a revelation of sorts. He had started essentially as a T-20 player and today he is so comfortable and successful in all formats of the game!
Last year when you became a ‘million dollar boy’ for MI, you said you wanted to buy a car with the money. Have you bought a car yet and what do you plan to do with all the money?
No,no...I sold off the previous one. I don’t have a car at the moment. I have a hired a professional to look after the financials so that I can concentrate on my cricket.
