Head coach of Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting, has weighed in on Glenn Maxwell’s decision to prioritize his well-being over playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2024. With RCB facing pressure after winning only one out of seven matches so far in the tournament, Maxwell, one of their core players, has struggled to make an impact, scoring just 32 runs in six games.
His absence in yesterday’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) added to RCB’s woes as they conceded a daunting target of 288 runs, eventually losing the match. Ponting has expressed his support for Maxwell’s decision, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting players’ well-being during crucial stages of the tournament.
In an interview with The Hindustan Times, Ponting highlighted the immense pressure that comes with being one of the key players in a team like RCB, where expectations are high and results heavily depend on individual performances. Acknowledging Maxwell’s choice to take a break to refresh and recharge, Ponting emphasized the need for flexibility in understanding players’ needs.
He emphasized that while some players may prefer to push through and continue playing to regain form, others may require a step back to regain focus and mental clarity. Ponting’s statements underscore the significance of prioritizing the health, well-being, and welfare of players above all else. He stressed that as a coach or any member of the cricket team, the primary concern should always be the welfare of the players.
“For someone like Glenn if you talk about, in that team (RCB), him being one of the ‘Big Dogs’ along with Virat, a lot of pressure comes on a couple of players playing in that team if they don’t perform, the results tend to not follow them if you see what they have done in the tournament so far, pressure builds up on an individual player as well,”
He added,
“I read that article today morning that Glenn wants to step aside, just have a few games off and try and refresh but every individual is different right, some guys would want to get going and push through that and get some runs on board and thus that will change their way of how they think about the game and some guys need to step back. That’s what you have to be really understanding of it as a coach or anyone around the cricket team that health, wellbeing, and welfare of the player is the thing you think about first,”
It’s worth noting that Maxwell’s decision to take a temporary rest does not signify a permanent departure from the IPL or a return to Australia. Instead, it reflects his need to take a break and address any issues affecting his performance, with the intention of returning to the field refreshed and revitalized.
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