Ricky Ponting, the current head coach of Delhi Capitals and a legendary Australian player, has supported RCB all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's choice to take a break from the Indian Premier League 2021. Ponting emphasized that coaches and team management should prioritize the players' health and well-being above all else.
Maxwell withdrew from the playing XI for RCB's match against SRH to recover mentally and physically after a difficult start to the 17th season. Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj were not selected for the contest in Bengaluru.
According to Ricky Ponting, players react differently to pressure situations, and Maxwell was under scrutiny after failing to perform in the new season. Despite this, Ponting acknowledged that Maxwell is one of the key players at RCB and the fans expect him to score runs every time he goes out to bat.
Ponting told ANI:
“Maxwell is one of the big dogs along with Virat Kohli at RCB. Those two and a couple of others are always under pressure as they are expected to deliver for the franchise. If they don’t perform, they start feeling the pinch. If you see how Glenn Maxwell has performed in the IPL so far, pressure will be on the individual player.”
Maxwell scored 32 runs in 6 matches, hitting only one six before he was not selected in the Playing XI against Hyderabad. He also registered three ducks. Maxwell informed the captain, Faf du Plessis, and coach Andy Flower of his decision to step down, stating that he wanted someone else to take his place.