Glenn Maxwell won't play against RR amid Cricket Australia's clause: Mike Hesson

Dashing Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp and has even started training with his teammates. However, he won’t be available for the side’s clash against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday (April 5) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai amid Cricket Australia’s embargo. As per the board’s guidelines, no contracted Aussie player can participate in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 before April 6.

Hence, Maxwell will warm the benches despite being fit. The same was confirmed by RCB’s director of cricket Mike Hesson in a video shared by the franchise on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Hesson also confirmed that Maxwell will be available from RCB’s next game onwards, which is against Mumbai Indians at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on April 9.

Glenn Maxwell will be available from RCB’s next game: Mike Hesson

“It’s pretty clear that from Cricket Australia’s point of view, no contracted players are available before the 6th of April. So, regardless of the fact that he (Glenn Maxwell) has arrived here, he can’t play till 6th. We are well aware of that. He will be available for the game on 9th,” said Hesson in the video.

Meanwhile, Maxwell’s arrival in India was delayed because of his wedding with Indian-origin girlfriend Vini Raman on March 27. In any case, he wouldn’t have played before the MI clash. It must be noted that Maxwell was instrumental in taking RCB to the playoffs last season. He scored consistently in the middle-order alongside chipping in with his handy off-breaks.

Hence, the Bangaluru-based team would want the dasher to unleash a similar show this time around. Meanwhile, RCB already have prominent batters like skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli in the ranks. Hence, Maxwell’s inclusion will bolster the side’s line-up even further.

Till the time he’s not available, Sherfane Rutherford will continue to feature in the line-up. Meanwhile, RCB started their campaign with an agonizing defeat against Punjab Kings but bounced back and defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in their next fixture. Hence, they would like to extend their winning run against a formidable Rajasthan Royals team.