Anirudha Srikkanth says PBKS should release Glenn Maxwell ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Anirudha Srikkanth said Punjab Kings should release Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction. Maxwell had failed to deliver the goods in the previous season of the tournament, managing only 48 runs in six innings at an average of eight and a strike rate of 97.95.

Srikkanth said PBKS should look to buy a fast bowler in the auction as Arshdeep Singh was the lone warrior for them in the last edition. Singh was the leading-wicket taker for the Mohali-based franchise, snaring 21 wickets in 17 matches and thus played an instrumental role in taking the team to the final of the tournament.

Anirudha Srikkanth said on Star Sports, “Maxwell should be released. They need a fast bowler. Where they struggled last year was Arshdeep Singh was the only out and out fast bowler and was the main bowler in the attack. Lockie Ferguson is again highly injury-prone. If you see the other bowlers in their ranks, Yash Thakur not certified, Xavier Bartlett not certified either and went for a lot of runs.

“Kyle Jamieson did well in a couple of games but came in very late. We haven’t seen Aaron Hardie in the last one year, we’ve seen Mitch Owen, who is a good all-rounder but what they need is a fast bowler. They need an Indian fast bowler along with Arshdeep but don’t know how they will find it. If they get an overseas fast bowler, even better. Ferguson is the only one in their line-up, so they need another pacer. Only that role needs to be filled.”

Meanwhile, PBKS were able to qualify for the final of IPL 2025 but they could not cross the last hurdle against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

IPL franchises have been asked to reveal their retention list before November 15.