Sports
Breaking: Glenn Maxwell Ruled Out of IPL 2025 with Finger Fracture
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been dealt a crushing blow as Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a fractured finger sustained during training. The injury, confirmed before PBKS’s clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 30, ends a challenging season for the 36-year-old.
Injury Details & Impact
- Diagnosis: Fractured finger (exact digit unconfirmed, scans conducted).
- Recovery Time: 6-8 weeks, likely sidelining him for the entire IPL season.
- Replacement: Suryansh Shedge stepped in for the CSK match; no permanent replacement named.
How It Happened
- Maxwell injured his finger during a training session before PBKS’s rain-affected match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26.
- Details remain unclear, but teammate Marcus Stoinis confirmed the fracture occurred at practice, ruling Maxwell out of the tournament.
Maxwell’s IPL 2025 Performance Before Injury
| Matches | Runs | Avg | Wickets | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 41 | 8.2 | 4 | 7.8 |
Maxwell struggled with the bat, averaging 8.2 with a high of 25, but contributed with his off-spin, taking four wickets in six games.
PBKS’s Crisis & Possible Replacements
- Team Impact: Maxwell’s absence weakens PBKS’s middle order and spin-bowling options, with the team mid-table after a washout against KKR.
- Options:
- Prabhsimran Singh: Wicketkeeper-batter, already an impact substitute.
- Musheer Khan: Young all-rounder, yet to debut this season.
- Vijaykumar Vyshak: Bowler, listed as a substitute.
Expert Reactions
- Irfan Pathan: “Maxwell’s exit hurts PBKS’s balance. They’ll need Shreyas Iyer to step up big.”
- Deep Dasgupta: “Tough for PBKS on spin-friendly pitches like Chepauk without Maxi’s nous.”
What’s Next for Maxwell?
- Rehab: Begins immediately under Cricket Australia’s medical team in Melbourne.
- T20 World Cup: Faces a race against time for Australia’s opener vs. Oman on June 5, with recovery cutting it close.
Maxwell’s injury, coupled with his lean batting form (41 runs in six matches), marks a bitter end to his IPL 2025 stint with PBKS. The Shreyas Iyer-led side now faces an uphill battle to make the playoffs without their star all-rounder.
