IPL auction: RCB snub RTM for Glenn Maxwell, Australia star returns to PBKS

In another shocking move from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the franchise has let go of their star player Glenn Maxwell in the IPL 2025 mega auction being held at Jeddah on November 24, Sunday. Maxwell had a home-coming of sorts as he was sold to Punjab Kings at a price of Rs 4.20 crore. RCB had the option of Right to Match, which they could have used to have Maxwell back in the team. However, the franchise opted not to use the RTM for Maxwell, despite having three of those in their bank. However, the franchise managed to acquire the services of the ICC’s No. 1 T20I ranked batter, Phil Salt. After engaging in an intense bidding war with KKR, RCB secured England’s wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 11.50 crore.
RCB’s auction strategy seemed puzzling as they did not bid intensely for many star players that were available in the auction pool. SunRisers Hyderabad was the first team to lift their paddle up for Maxwell, who set his base price at Rs 2 crore. Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings engaged in a bidding war and, eventually, the Australian all-rounder and an IPL veteran was sold for Rs 4.20 crore.
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This was contrary to what Maxwell had said as recently, the all-rounder opened up on how the franchise conveyed the message to him and revealed that he was impressed by their handling of 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.
Further speaking ahead, the Australian star said that he understood the team’s plans for the upcoming season and also revealed that his journey with RCB isn’t over.
Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable season with the bat for RCB this year, managing just 52 runs in nine innings at an average of 5.77, with a top score of 28. However, he made an impact with the ball, taking six wickets at an average of 21.50 and an economy rate of 8.06.
In his four seasons with RCB, Maxwell plundered 1266 runs and 18 wickets for RCB and proved to be a valuable asset after being purchased for Rs 14.25 crore in IPL 2021 auction.