Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2021 campaign has started brilliantly as he has helped Royal Challengers Bangalore to three straight wins.

The Australian all-rounder was picked up by RCB in this year’s auction for INR 14.25 crores after being released by Punjab Kings. After a poor 2020 campaign, in which he failed to hit a single six and only managed nine boundaries in 13 games, joining Virat Kohli’s side was a chance for him to remind the world of his qualities.

In the opening three games, Maxwell has scored 176 runs which is already higher than his last two seasons for Punjab Kings. His impressive 78(49) against Kolkata Knight Riders is also his highest score since his 95 in 2014. His figures this season have only been bettered by Delhi Capital’s Shikar Dhawan, who has scored 231 runs so far.

‘The Big Show’ has joined forces with Kohli and AB de Villiers and it is clear there is already a strong bond between these players both on and off the field. Maxwell achieved a partnership of 52 and 44 with Kohli in the first two games followed by partnerships of 86 and 53 with Padikkal and de Villiers respectively in their fixture against KKR.

Maxwell can also be seen laughing and joking around with Kohli and national compatriot Dan Christian in the dugout. He made sure to show his love for his new team as he pointed to the RCB badge as he reached his half-century.

The 32-year-old has a reputation as a destructive batsman enjoyed a thrilling 2014 season with David Miller at Punjab Kings, then known as KXIP. His strike rate in IPL and average score have since lowered each year apart from 2017. These performances led to Maxwell being released and there is no doubt that his reputation, which was somewhat created by media, also added to this as there was pressure on him to perform game after game.

Maxwell has a chance this season to not only put his name in RCB history but IPL history. Neither Maxwell nor RCB have won any edition of the IPL but fans and experts think this could be their year after a fantastic start which included a close victory over reigning champions, Mumbai Indians. The death bowling of Harshal Patel has also aided RCB’s start to the season as he currently holds the purple cap for most wickets in the competition (9).

RCB faces Rajasthan Royals in their next game. The Royals currently sit in 7th but have the likes of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and David Miller in their ranks. RCB has a good opportunity to keep their winning streak going and cement their place at the top of the table.

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