"Maxwell must be released" - Former CSK batter's blunt statement on Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 auction plan

2025 IPL - Kolkata Knight Riders v Punjab Kings - Source: Getty
Glenn Maxwell's performance was disappointing in IPL 2025. (Image Credits: Getty)

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Anirudha Srikkanth strongly believes Punjab Kings (PBKS) should let go of Glenn Maxwell ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. Srikkanth also highlighted that the Punjab Kings desperately need a consistent and durable fast bowler to partner Arshdeep Singh.

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Maxwell returned to the Punjab Kings last year, who shelled out ₹4.20 crore for the all-rounder's services. However, the Australian failed to live up to his reputation, managing only 48 runs in seven outings at a strike rate of 97.75. He also exited the tournament midway due to a broken finger, and Mitch Owen was named as his replacement.

Speaking on Star Sports, Srikkanth also talked about the likes of Lockie Ferguson and Xavier Bartlett, highlighting how the former was highly injury-prone and the latter was expensive in the 2025 edition. Although the former CSK player acknowledged Kyle Jamieson's promising outings, he reckons Punjab need to find a stable option to partner Arshdeep Singh.

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"Maxwell should be released. They need a fast bowler. Where they struggled last year was Arshdeep Singh was the only out and out fast bowler and was the main bowler in the attack. Lockie Ferguson is again highly injury-prone. If you see the other bowlers in their ranks, Yash Thakur not certified, Xavier Bartlett not certified either and went for a lot of runs.
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"Kyle Jamieson did well in a couple of games but came in very late. We haven't seen Aaron Hardie in the last one year, we've seen Mitch Owen, who is a good all-rounder but what they need is a fast bowler. They need an Indian fast bowler along with Arshdeep but don't know how they will find it. If they get an overseas fast bowler, even better. Ferguson is the only one in their line-up, so they need another pacer. Only that role needs to be filled."
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Arshdeep was the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the 2025 edition, claiming 21 scalps.at 24.66.


Punjab Kings lost their second IPL final in 2025

Shreyas Iyer captained PBKS in IPL 2025. (Credits: Getty)
Shreyas Iyer captained PBKS in IPL 2025. (Credits: Getty)

Under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, the Punjab Kings made it to the IPL final for the first time in 11 years in 2025. However, they went down by six runs to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the decider.

Given Iyer's exemplary performance with the bat and as captain, the Punjab Kings will retain him as the skipper.

Get real-time updates on IPL 2025, live scores, IPL Prediction, match schedule, points table,Result & squad -CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava
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