Punjab Kings did something quite bold ahead of the 2026 IPL season when they released Glenn Maxwell. Head coach Ricky Ponting revealed that performances, balance, and future plans were considered in taking the call on Maxwell. Once known to be one of the star power-hitting player and a match-winner, Maxwell struggled badly in the last few seasons. Despite the franchise spending ₹4.2 crore on him in 2025, he could manage just 48 runs in six innings at an average of 8.00. Ponting said Maxwell is loved in the dressing room, but the team could not get the best out of him. He also went on to say that Maxwell would not have made PBKS' first XI this season, which made the release the only logical step. Maxwell's Poor IPL Run in Recent Seasons Maxwell's IPL form has seen a sharp decline. His last good season came in 2023 when he had scored 400 runs at a strike rate of 183.48 for RCB. Since then, his numbers have fallen every year. IPL Performance of Glenn Maxwell (Last 5 Seasons) Season Team Matches Runs Avg Strike Rate 2025 PBKS 6 48 8.00 97.95 2024 RCB 9 52 5.77 120.93 2023 RCB 14 400 33.33 183.48 2022 RCB 13 301 27.36 169.10 2021 RCB 14 513 42.75 144.10 In the last 15 innings of IPL, Maxwell scored just 100 runs averaging 6.67 with a highest score of only 30. In IPL 2025, Maxwell played just six matches for Punjab Kings in which he scored merely 48 runs that to at a strike rate of 97.95. These numbers gave reason for PBKS to move on even though that side was being led by their compatriot Ponting himself. Maxwell has earned more than ₹101 crore in IPL over the years. Franchise trust has always been high, but his performances have not matched expectations. Teams now want players who can deliver every season, not once in three or four years. Also Read | RR’s Big Changes: What Their IPL 2026 Auction Strategy Looks Like T20I Form Tells a Different Story Comparatively speaking, Maxwell's T20I numbers are strong: 2835 runs, including 5 hundreds and 12 fifties at a strike rate of 155.76, which underlines that he performs better for Australia than in leagues like the IPL. Glenn Maxwell T20I Stats Matches Runs Avg Strike Rate 100s 50s 126 2835 29.22 155.76 5 12 That difference has begged more questions about his motivation during league cricket. Several franchises, now, believe that he saves the real committed version of himself for national duty. Injuries and lack of playing time add to the problem. Maxwell also remains injury-prone. During India's recent tour of Australia, he missed the first three T20Is. Even after returning, he could not perform. Injury breaks and long gaps in cricket have hurt his IPL form. Because of this inconsistency, many believe Maxwell will go unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Teams may not want to take a risk on a player who has struggled for two straight seasons. Is This the End of Maxwell in IPL? His form, commitment and franchise trust hint that the chances do not look bright. Unless some team wants an experienced middle-order hitter for cheap, Maxwell might find no buyers this time. His good T20I record shows he still has talent, but what IPL franchises want now is consistency and reliability, two things Maxwell has not shown in recent seasons.