Harbhajan Singh, a past Indian off-spinner, feels that it’ll be tough for Glenn Maxwell, a top player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), to rule over Ravindra Jadeja, a left-arm spinner from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This will unfold when they compete in the IPL 2024 opener in Chepauk on March 22.
Harbhajan, the experienced player, understands the cricket history of this ground. He believes that spinners often dominate. His tip? Batters should adjust before swinging for massive hits.
Harbhajan Singh told Star Sports that Glenn Maxwell may be unable to play his natural game against Ravindra Jadeja in Chennai.
“It is a big task for anyone to just go out there and start hitting those sixes,” he said. “You have to give yourself time to play in singles and doubles. If you don’t play 10 balls here before you start hitting those boundaries, I think you’re putting yourself in a danger zone. You can get out any time. So in this particular battle, I think Jadeja will be ahead of Maxwell on that wicket, where it will do a little bit for Jadeja. It will hold a bit. There will be a bit of side spin as well.”
Harbhajan Singh
However, Harbhajan recognizes Glenn Maxwell’s unique contribution. He added:
“On Maxwell’s day, he is unstoppable. But on this wicket, yes, it will be hard for anyone to start hitting sixes from the ball one. But the only person who can do is, is Maxwell. Let’s see who win this rivalry.”
Harbhajan Singh
Glenn Maxwell has faced Jadeja in T20 cricket and scored 70 runs in 51 balls. However, the Australian star has been ejected up to six times.
“Backing Jadeja, but be cautious of Glenn Maxwell” – Matthew Hayden
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden was also there during the meeting and agreed with Harbhajan that Jadeja would benefit more from the Chennai surface. However, the former CSK opener provided insight on Maxwell’s previous achievements versus Chennai, saying:
“He has got that X factor, that weirdness about the way that he goes about his match play that can take an opposition side out of their comfort zone, promote panic, and then win a game of cricket off his own. But he’s one of those unique characters. Backing Jadeja, but be cautious of Maxwell, because he loves Chennai Super Kings as a match-up.”
Matthew Hayden
Glenn Maxwell has a career strike rate of 187.63 against the Chennai Super Kings, scoring 364 runs in 12 games against them. He will be critical for RCB if they wish to defeat the reigning champs in their own backyard.