IPL 2023: RCB star player Glenn Maxwell opens up on Shane Warne’s influence on him

Shane Warne was one of the greatest international players of all time and his sudden demise in March 2022, left every person close to him shocked and bereft. The spin legend served his national side for 15 years and took 1,001 wickets in 339 international games. After his retirement from the international circuit, he played league cricket till 2013.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he also won a title for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2008 utilising his leadership skills. In his country’s Big Bash League (BBL) T20 league tournament, he played for Melbourne Stars for two seasons (2011-12 and 2012-13)  and influenced many young cricketers with his cricketing knowledge and experience.

Talking about his influence, one of his Melbourne Stars teammates Glenn Maxwell has said that the legendary spinner was the most caring and loyal person he has ever come across. 

While appearing on the RCB Season 2 podcast, the fourth of 10 episodes, Maxwell disclosed how Warne opened him up during a difficult phase in his career and life. In the 2012-13 BLL season, Maxwell played for the Stars under Wrane’s captaincy.

'Everyone felt like they had a connection instantly' - Maxwell on Warne's influence and impact

"He is probably the most giving and loyal person that I've probably ever met. Generous not just with what he did with his charity work but generous with his knowledge and time. He actively sought out young spinners during their warm-ups to talk them through different skill sets and trying to help them to be the best version of themselves. Everyone felt like they had a connection instantly because that's the way he made you feel, he makes you feel like your best friend straightaway," said Maxwell.

"I suppose, post cricket hours, I was so lucky to be able to play some golf with him, chat to him off the field, talk to him on the phone. He cared a lot. Once he saw me before one of the Big Bash games, just walking around. We had a small chat and I sort of…I wouldn't say I brushed him but I sort of just walked away," Maxwell further stated.

He messaged me afterwards: 'Are you alright?’ And he checked in a couple of times. And then the fourth time I finally opened up. And so I said, 'This is what's going on'. He goes, 'mate, just take it easy, take a break, do whatever you need to do. I'm always here for you'," the Aussie power-hitter continued.

Ahead of IPL 2021, RCB signed Maxwell for the 2021 season after Punjab Kings released him. In return, the Aussie veteran looked confident notching up 513 runs in 15 matches at a fine strike rate of 144.10 and became the leading run-scorer for his team. 

Despite being impactful with his bat in the 2021 season, the RCB stalwart had flutters ahead of IPL mega auction in 2022 but a call from RCB Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson eased his nerves.

“You never know what's gonna happen because it's a big auction. And like, with how many people they were going to retain. So to retain an overseas batter, sometimes isn't the smartest move. It seems straightforward, but in my head, there was obviously a lot more I had to go through and when I got the phone call that I was gonna be retained. I was pumped and couldn't wait to stick around," Maxwell concluded.

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS App Store and Google Play Store