Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has backed Glenn Maxwell to deliver the goods in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Maxwell opted out of IPL 2026 mini auction after he could not deliver the goods in the previous edition of the tournament. The all-rounder has scored 2835 runs in 126 T20I matches at an average of 29.23 and a strike rate of 155.77.

The Australian has all the experience under his belt and he would look to be at his best in the T20I showpiece. Maxwell scored just 76 runs from eight innings in the Big Bash League 2025–26 and he would look to return back to form.

“If the edge starts to come off, it’s hard to find it and replace it. But if anything’s going to bring it out of him, a World Cup will. He’s had some pretty amazing moments in World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia’s sake he can have a few more over the next few weeks,” Ponting told the West Australian.

Ponting also expects Maxwell to be named in Australia’s playing XI for the opening match of the tournament. 

“You couldn’t pick him on form at the moment because of what everyone else in that squad has done through the BBL. But they’ll pick him because of his experience and probably because of the conditions as well,” Ponting said.

The two-time World Cup winning captain said the opposition will target Maxwell with spin.

“He’s probably going to be facing a lot of spin bowling and he’ll give the option to be able to bowl some as well. They’ve got some pretty easy games and that might be just exactly what he needs to get himself into some touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that might hold him in good stead for the back half.”

Australia have been placed in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman.