IPL 2025: Glenn Maxwell Ruled Out - Top Contenders To Replace Him For Punjab

Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a finger injury, which he picked up before Punjab Kings' rain-affected match against Kolkata Knight Riders. In that game, he scored only 7 runs. Overall, this season has been disappointing for him, he made just 48 runs in seven matches at an average of eight, and took four wickets. Even though his performance was not great, Maxwell is still a key player for PBKS. 

Ricky Ponting on Glenn Maxwell's Replacement

PBKS Head Coach Ricky Ponting addressed the situation in a press conference. He said, "We will be signing some replacements at some stage. We've got until our 12th game, so we have a couple of games to go yet. With the squad we've got, we're trying to find players in our squad anyway. So we've got Azmatullah (Omarzai), Aaron Hardie who hasn't played yet, Xavier Bartlett who didn't play today."

Ponting also added, "It's conditions based. But when we get to Dharamsala he will come back into the reckoning up there, where the ball might swing and bounce a little bit more."

"There's not a lot of high quality replacements out there, to be honest. So we've just been patient," Ponting said.

He further shared that they are also exploring domestic options: "We're having a look around at Indian talent as well and we're looking at what roles we might be able to fill with some younger Indian players. We'll actually take a couple of guys to Dharamsala with us, a couple of guys trained with us yesterday and they will come with us to Dharamsala."

He hinted that new signings may happen soon: "...we'll have a closer look at them and they might find themselves with a Punjab contract going forward (smiles). It has to be this week, has to be before the 12th game, so stay tuned."

Ponting said the side is having a good look at the Indian talent that it has, as international options are limited due to other ongoing leagues.

International Players Who Can Replace Glenn Maxwell In IPL 2025

1. Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka): Asalanka was not picked in the IPL 2025 auction. He is a strong left-handed batsman who plays in the middle order, capable of anchoring the innings as well as attacking when needed. He also bowls off-spin, and Punjab can get a couple of overs from him. His all-round skills make him a good match for what PBKS needs after Maxwell's exit.

2. Chris Green (Australia): Chris Green is a T20 specialist and has played in many leagues around the world. He bowls off-spin and is known for keeping things tight in the middle overs. He can also contribute a few runs with the bat. Since Ricky Ponting is the PBKS coach and Green is also Australian, this could work in his favour.

3. Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan): Naib is a quality all-rounder from Afghanistan. He bats aggressively in the middle order and also bowls medium pace. Punjab can solve their sixth bowling option problem with him. His ability to take key wickets and score quick runs makes him a strong option for PBKS in place of Maxwell.

sports