IPL 2024: Glenn Maxwell takes a break from RCB for Mental Refreshment, When will he Come Back?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Glenn Maxwell has taken a break from IPL 2024 for physical and mental refreshment.

The Australian was expected to sit out for the Sunrisers Hyderabad match for a thumb injury, but he actually requested the RCB team management to pick another player from the squad instead of him.

"For me, personally, it was a pretty easy decision. I went to Faf (du Plessis) and the coaches after the last game and said I felt it was probably time we tried someone else. I have been in this situation in the past where you can keep playing and get yourself deeper into a hole," Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo after the SRH defeat.

I think now is actually a good time for me to give myself a bit of a mental and physical break, get my body right. If I'm required to get in during the tournament, I can hopefully get back into a really solid mental and physical space where I can still have an impact," Maxwell added.

Maxwell has had a horrible IPL 2024 so far. The Australian scored only 32 runs in six matches with an average of 5.33. The 35-year-old has scored three ducks so far and his solitary knock came against KKR, when he scored 28 off just 19 balls.

IPL 2024: When will Glenn Maxwell Return for RCB?

The off-form for Maxwell is not a first in IPL. The Australian endured similar struggle during his Punjab Kings days in IPL 2020, when he didn't hit a single six in 11 innings. But the situation is a lot different at RCB.

Maxwell says he has taken a break for the benefit of the team but also asserts that a comeback is on the way if the player gets his physical and mental health back on track. The RCB star is a crucial member and him coming back to form is a huge positive for the team.

"Unfortunately, runs just haven't come the way they should have when you are in really good form. I don't think I've had a better six months in cricket leading into this tournament. So it's frustrating when it ends up like this. But if I can get my body and my mind right, there's no reason I can't finish the tournament well if I do get another opportunity," Maxwell concluded.

When will Maxwell return? That remains a question. RCB are rooted at the bottom and are unlikely to make it to playoffs. A single defeat in their last seven matches will almost curb their playoff qualification chances. If Maxwell refreshes himself immediately, then only the Australian can be significant for them, otherwise it's of no use to hit form after RCB's exit from IPL 2024.