IPL 2023: It is not something that is foreign to me – Glenn Maxwell on batting under pressure

Royal Challengers Bangalore talisman batter Glenn Maxwell feels he is not alien to batting under pressure in the ongoing IPL 2023. Maxwell scored an explosive knock of 76 runs off just 36 balls against Chennai Super Kings at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday while chasing 227 runs but his efforts went in vain.

The Australian was able to hit the ground running after two early wickets of Virat Kohli and Mahipal Lomror. The right-hander scored three fours and eight maximums in his fine knock.

Maxwell added a fine alliance of 126 runs off just 61 balls along with Faf du Plessis. In fact, RCB were 121-2 at the halfway stage but quick wickets of Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell added pressure on the home team.

Meanwhile, Maxwell had scored 113 runs off just 55 balls against India in 2019 while playing in Bengaluru.

Recalling his hundred at the M. Chinnswamy Stadium during Australia’s tour of India in 2019, Maxwell said during the post-match press conference: “I think historically, whenever I have batted at No.4 with two wickets early in the game, I have generally played quite well. The pressure, the new ball swinging, it is a pretty familiar role that I have played, especially with Australia. Even on this ground in international cricket comes to mind. It is not something that is foreign to me, especially chasing the big total and having the boundaries short.”

The Australian added that a clear mindset in the middle helps him get the best out of himself.

“I think just having a really clear mindset also plays a part and I know what the role I have to play in the side is. Batting together with Faf took a lot of pressure off me, was able to keep that momentum going in the back end of the powerplay and once we got out of the powerplay, it was about making sure to get the run rate ticking along.

“I felt like we got to a position where we were on top during our partnership. Unfortunately, all it takes is one error to bring about other errors as well.”

The all-rounder went on to add he and Faf du Plessis were going as hard as possible to get the required run rate under 10.

“I suppose once the ball got softer, it just started to hold a little bit. We saw Jadeja get one past DK back at the end. So, there was a bit more assistance toward the back end. We were going as hard as we could to get the run rate under 10 and make it a little easier for the back end, but it was a pretty exciting game of cricket though. There is always going to be one winner and one loser, unfortunately.”

RCB will next take on Punjab Kings on Thursday at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.