New Delhi: There aren't too many better exponents of explosive batting in shortest version than Glenn Maxwell but on his own admission, the Australian all-rounder feels that he is lucky to be playing alongside Kings XI Punjab teammate Virender Sehwag in the Indian Premier League.
Maxwell, who starred in his first season with Kings XI Punjab last year, is yet to fire this season. However, it doesn't stop him from talking about his gains from the IPL.
"Ups and downs are part of a cricketers' career and hopefully I will hit my straps soon and there won't be any problems," Maxwell told PTI today when asked about his current form.
Maxwell has made better use of his potential at a 'more relaxed' Kings XI Punjab, after parting ways with the star-studded Mumbai Indians last year.
Talking about the role IPL has played in his career, Maxwell says there is lots he has shared with the Indian domestic players besides learning a trick or two from legends like Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, who used to be his teammate at Mumbai Indians .
"You learn as you move along. The way they (Indians) play the conditions here. It has been a great experience to play with legends of the game such as Viru (Sehwag). I was lucky enough to play alongside Sachin previously. It is just a great competition to be a part of," said Maxwell, who has not much to show in his two first two outings of IPL-8.
Are there any specifics that he and Sehwag discuss at nets?
"Not really, but we have our regular chats about the game and the way we go about it. He always tells me about sticking to your game no matter what and back your instincts, and not worry about the external rubbish that goes on," said the 26-year-old Victorian.
A little over a month ago, Maxwell smashed the second fastest hundred in World Cup when he reached the three figures off 50 balls against Sri Lanka in Sydney.
A batsmen known for his innovative shot making, Maxwell likes to keep it simple, whether it is the 50-over format or the T20 version.
"You just play according to the situation and that is probably what I have not done very well so far (in the tournament). I have not given myself enough time to get in but I am sure as the tournament goes I will hit my straps," he said referring to his scores of 7 and 6 in the first two games.
Though Maxwell often toys with even the best bowlers in the business, he relishes the challenge of batting in India.
"There is no particular bowler that I enjoy facing. To me, it is about the challenge you face in the IPL. The standard of bowling has been pretty good so far. As I said, it is a great opportunity and challenge to play the best players of the world in this competition," he said.
When you place him in the league of AB de Villiers, currently considered the best batsman across formats and not just T20, Maxwell's answer was a clear "No".
