Â
Australia National Cricket Team all-rounder Glenn Maxwell revealed how a short comment from Virat Kohli proved to be career-changing for him. He recalled an incident from India’s tour to Australia in 2020 and explained how, after that, his ‘second act as a player’ started.
Glenn Maxwell revealed about the whisper from Virat Kohli in his book ‘The Showman’. This came after he had a horrible season with Punjab Kings in the IPL 2020. He failed in all the games and it was almost obvious that he would be released ahead of the next season of the IPL 2021.
Virat Kohli wanted to whisper an idea to me: him, me and AB de Villiers to be the middle order at Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021 – Glenn Maxwell
But for Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli came a positive light. During India’s tour to Australia, the visiting batter dropped a hint to the all-rounder that they might get him in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This changed a lot of things for the Australia National Cricket Team all-rounder.
Glenn Maxwell revealed that Virat Kohli came up with the whisper to him that he, along with him and AB de Villiers, will be the middle order for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. He revealed how this excited him before Kohli even completed it.
Glenn Maxwell, who played alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in Mumbai Indians, revealed how he was excited to play alongside Kohli and De Villiers, who are the best of the current generation. He explained:
“But I still felt there had to be a twist in this story, and there was. Who to thank? Virat Kohli. On that same tour of Australia, he wanted to whisper an idea to me: him, me and AB de Villiers to be the middle order at Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021.
“I was in love with this before he finished his sentence. Having started with Sachin and Ricky, the chance to beat with the equivalent of them in my generation, in those gold pads no less, was irresistible,”
When the paddle came down for me from RCB, I was the happiest cricketer in the world – Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell further added that he was so obsessed with the IPL 2021 auction and revealed that when Royal Challengers Bengaluru bid for him, he was the happiest cricketer. He mentioned that after that, he started his second act as a player and played the most important cricket of his life in Bangalore colors. He elaborated:
“Before then, auctions had come and gone. This time, though, I was obsessed. When the paddle came down for me from RCB, I was the happiest cricketer in the world. It was in Bangalore where I would begin my second act as a player. And it is what I learned in Bangalore colors that would allow me to play the most important cricket of my life.”
Glenn Maxwell was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 14.25 crore
Glenn Maxwell was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 14.25 crore after a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Later, he was retained by them for Rs. 11 crore. In the 52 matches for RCB, he scored 1266 runs at an average of 28.77 and a strike rate of 159.24.
The Support That Changed Everything
In a recent interview, Maxwell opened up about how Kohli encouraged him to stay true to his game and focus on his mental well-being. Kohli’s words and support helped Maxwell rediscover his love for cricket and strengthened his resolve to work through the challenges he was facing.
Kohli’s influence went beyond just words; he demonstrated a level of empathy and camaraderie that deeply impacted Maxwell. Kohli even encouraged Maxwell to prioritize his mental health and take a break if needed—a perspective that aligns with Kohli’s own commitment to mental well-being, something he has been candid about in recent years. This friendship and support left a lasting impression on Maxwell, who credits Kohli for reminding him of why he fell in love with the game.
Returning Stronger Than Ever
Bolstered by Kohli’s support, Maxwell returned to cricket with renewed vigor. His performance since then has reflected his rekindled passion, with fans and teammates alike noticing his revitalized approach on the field. Maxwell has continued to perform at a high level, making significant contributions to the Australian team, and his friendship with Kohli serves as a reminder of the powerful bonds that exist beyond team rivalries in cricket.
A Lesson in Friendship and Sportsmanship
The relationship between Glenn Maxwell and Virat Kohli is a testament to the unity and empathy that sports can inspire. Maxwell’s story highlights how the support of a friend, even a competitor, can be life-changing. Kohli’s encouragement helped him find his way back to cricket, stronger and more resilient than before.
For fans, Maxwell’s story serves as a reminder that success in sports is not only about physical skill but also about mental strength, friendships, and the invaluable support of teammates and rivals alike.