As the countdown to the IPL 2025 mega auction begins, Glenn Maxwell’s journey with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has come to an end—for now. Despite a rocky season in 2024, the Australian all-rounder received a respectful and cordial exit from the franchise, something he described as a “beautiful exit meeting.” Maxwell, who joined RCB in 2021, was not among the players retained for the upcoming season, with RCB opting for the trio of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.
Maxwell’s Exit: A Calm and Constructive Phone Call
Maxwell’s time with RCB has been a mixture of highs and lows. Although his 2024 IPL campaign was forgettable—scoring just 52 runs in 10 matches—he had formed an explosive middle-order partnership with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers during previous seasons, helping RCB reach the playoffs in 2021 and 2022. His signing for ₹14.25 crore in 2021 had raised expectations, but the last few seasons were marked by inconsistency.
In a recent interview on the Around The Wicket podcast, Maxwell shared details of his conversation with RCB officials Mo Bobat and Andy Flower. According to Maxwell, he had a Zoom call with the duo, during which they explained the decision not to retain him for the 2025 season. The discussion was lengthy, lasting almost half an hour, but Maxwell was quick to express his appreciation for how the conversation unfolded.
“It was actually a very beautiful exit meeting. We ended up talking about the game for almost half an hour – talking about the strategy, looking to go forward. I was really happy with that,” Maxwell recalled. He further appreciated the team’s transparent and thoughtful approach to the situation. “If every team did that, I think it would probably make the relationship smoother,” Maxwell added. “I could not speak highly enough of the way they dealt with the whole situation.”
RCB’s Transition and Changing Priorities
The meeting provided Maxwell with clarity on RCB’s strategic direction for the future. The franchise has been undergoing a process of change, including adjustments to their support staff. This shift was important for RCB’s management in shaping the squad for the upcoming seasons. As Maxwell explained, this transition required them to make tough calls, including the decision to let go of several international players in favor of building a core group of Indian talent.
“They are changing a few of their staff as well so they needed to get that sorted before they started talking to players,” Maxwell shared, acknowledging the importance of RCB’s larger restructuring efforts.
RCB, which has yet to win an IPL title, remains one of the only three original IPL franchises—along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings—that has never lifted the trophy. The team has consistently fallen short despite reaching the playoffs multiple times, and the current management is focused on reshaping the squad to ensure a better chance of success in the future. Maxwell, being an overseas player, understood the franchise’s decision to prioritize a strong Indian core with local talent, knowing that it would be difficult for him to retain his place in the squad amidst these changes.
Maxwell Reflects on His RCB Journey
While Maxwell’s exit from RCB is bittersweet, he remains positive about his time with the franchise and expressed his desire to return in the future if the opportunity arises. Despite his inconsistent performances in 2024, the all-rounder has enjoyed significant moments in RCB colors, especially during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, when he and Kohli were part of a destructive middle-order partnership.
“I wouldn’t say my RCB journey is over; I would certainly like to get back there,” Maxwell said with optimism. “It was a great franchise to play for and really enjoyed my game there.” This sentiment reflects Maxwell’s deep affection for the team, despite his recent struggles with form.
Even though RCB has opted to move on for now, Maxwell’s fondness for the franchise is clear. His hope of returning to the team suggests that his association with the Bangalore-based franchise is far from over. Maxwell, who has been a key figure in the IPL over the past few seasons, might attract attention from other franchises at the auction. However, there remains a chance that RCB could look to bring him back, especially if they feel that the dynamic between Maxwell and the other team members could still produce the magic that was seen in the earlier years.
A Potential Bidding War Ahead
Maxwell’s exit has left the door open for him to be a part of the IPL 2025 auction, where he will be up for grabs once again. With a base price set at ₹2 crore, Maxwell is likely to attract significant interest from multiple teams, sparking a bidding war. Given his all-round abilities, including his explosive batting, handy spin bowling, and fielding skills, Maxwell is a sought-after player in T20 leagues around the world.
However, returning to RCB will not be straightforward. While the franchise has moved on from him for now, the IPL is a dynamic tournament where squad compositions change quickly, and if RCB feels that Maxwell could still be a valuable asset, they may decide to reinstate him to the squad, especially if they can fill the void left by his absence.
Understanding the IPL Retention Process
Maxwell’s reflections on the retention process also shed light on the pressures players face as the mega auction approaches. “I understood that process was going to take a bit of time. But yeah, you start to get edgier around that last date – whether you’re going to get retained,” Maxwell admitted, describing the uncertainty that players often feel during retention discussions. However, he fully understood the logic behind RCB’s decision and emphasized that the direction the team was heading in was clear.
RCB’s focus on building a core of Indian players was not lost on Maxwell. “They need three Indians to build that core and hopefully the overseas can complement those locals,” Maxwell said. This strategy is common among IPL franchises, which aim to ensure a balance between Indian and international players while also keeping the budget in check.
Conclusion: A Respectful Goodbye and a Future Return?
Glenn Maxwell’s exit from RCB was far from acrimonious. The Australian star appreciated the professionalism with which RCB handled the situation, especially compared to other less-than-ideal exits some players experience. The call with Mo Bobat and Andy Flower not only provided Maxwell with clarity about the franchise’s direction but also strengthened his bond with the team, despite his departure.
Maxwell’s journey with RCB may be on pause, but it’s clear that both the player and the franchise have mutual respect for each other. The IPL 2025 auction will soon reveal whether Maxwell will remain in Bangalore or embark on a new chapter with a different franchise. Whatever the outcome, it is likely that the “Big Show” will continue to be a key player in the IPL for years to come.