Glenn Maxwell hails RCB's gesture of Andy Flower and Mo Bobat for exiting team

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) decided against retaining the services of Glenn Maxwell, who has been a part of the franchise since the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Australian all-rounder will be among the many star players to be available at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, which is likely to be held on November 25 and 26 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

RCB retained only three players ahead of the mega-auction - Virat Kohli (INR 21 Cr), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 Cr) and Yash Dayal (INR 5 Crore) using INR 37 crore. The popular franchise has INR 83 crore left in their purse and three Right To Match (RTM) cards as well. Maxwell recently revealed how the franchise explained to him why he was not being retained. The 36-year-old said that he was impressed by the way they tackled the situation.

“I got a phone call from Mo Bobat and Andy Flower. I sat there on a zoom call, and they sort of explained to me the decision not to be retained. And, it was actually a really beautiful exit meeting, if that if that could be possible. We ended up talking about the game for about half an hour and talking about their strategy and what they were looking to get to do, going forward. So, I was really happy with that,” said Maxwell on ESPNCricinfo’s Around the Wicket show.

I wouldn't say my RCB journey's over: Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell asserted that he understood RCB's plans for the forthcoming season of the cash-rich league. He also said that he enjoyed playing for the Bengaluru-based franchise and would love to don their jersey once again.

“They were obviously changing a few of their staff as well. So they needed to get that sorted before they started talking to players. And I understood that process was going to take a bit of time. And, but yeah, you're always sort of getting a little bit edgy around that, that last date about whether you're gonna be retained and not so sure what's gonna happen," Maxwell said on Around The Wicket show hosted by ESPN Cricinfo.

"But, completely understand what they the direction they're heading in. They went, with three unions to build that core. And, yeah, hopefully their overseas can complement, those locals. Yeah, I wouldn't say my RCB journey's over, but, yeah, I'd certainly love to get back there. It was a great franchise to play for and really enjoyed my time there,” he added.

Maxwell had a dismal IPL 2024 season for RCB

For the unversed, Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable season with the bat in IPL 2024. In 10 matches, he scored just 52 runs at a paltry average of 5.78 and a dismal strike rate of 120.93.

Also Read: 'It was a big decision' - RCB Director of Cricket on releasing Mohammed Siraj

He fared better with the ball, picking up six wickets at 21.50. The Kew-born will still be one of the most sought-after names in the mega-auction because of his reputation in white-ball cricket, which he has built by pulverising the best bowlers around the world over the years.