“Deleted from WhatsApp group,” said “I don’t need a fan like you”: Glenn Maxwell reveals explosive argument with Virender Sehwag

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, known for his aggressive hitting and versatility, was a key player for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL during his initial stint with the franchise from 2014 to 2017. After a brilliant season in 2014 in which he scored 552 runs at a strike rate of over 187, Maxwell faced challenges, particularly during the 2017 season when his form dipped, and in his latest book, Maxwell revealed that his role was influenced by internal factors Team dynamics became complicated.

Maxwell spoke about the changing power structure and how India's legendary former batsman, Virender Sehwag, calling the shots despite not officially being in charge, put a strain on their relationship. Sehwag had taken up the mentorship role with the Punjab franchise in the 2017 season and appointed Maxwell as the captain of the team. However, the relationship between the duo became strained when Maxwell revealed that Sehwag forced his presence and also decided the starting XI.

“When it came to selection, I thought it might be a good idea to get the coaches on a WhatsApp group so they can make our decisions. Everyone agreed and shared their teams, except Sehwag,” Maxwell wrote in his book, an excerpt of which was published on ESPNCricinfo.

“At the end of the process he made it clear that he would pick the starting XI, end of story. Meanwhile, we have lost on and off the field, with Sehwag making decisions that didn’t necessarily make sense on more than one occasion.”

“We never spoke again”

Maxwell then revealed how his relationship with Sehwag soured after the PBKS mentor publicly criticized the Australian.

“The season ended with our last away game against Pune in the group and we had a shocking knock first on a wet wicket scoring 73. It was all over. “In the context of what was going on, I’m still pretty proud of how we were able to largely keep the show going up to this point,” Maxwell began.

“I was also happy with my performance because I did the right thing as a leader by giving myself the opportunity to influence games at the right time with bat and ball. Of course we were all devastated not to make the postseason, but it could have been so much worse.

“I volunteered for press relations that evening but Sehwag said he would do it instead. When I got on the team bus, I discovered that I had been deleted from the main WhatsApp group. What was going on here? When we reached the hotel.” The phone exploded and Sehwag accused me of being a “big disappointment” and accused me of not taking up the responsibility of captaincy and so on. It was awkward, especially when I thought we had parted on good terms.

Maxwell, visibly shocked by Sehwag's comments, decided to text the India legend but had to face further allegations.

“I texted him to say how much it hurt to read those comments and added that he had lost a fan in me because of his behavior. Sehwag's answer was simple: “I don't need a fan like you.” We never spoke “I knew again that my time was up and told the owners: if Sehwag stayed here, they would make a mistake and not take care of themselves “I care,” Maxwell wrote.

The Australian all-rounder returned for another stint with the Punjab Kings in 2020; Sehwag had left the franchise two years ago. However, it was a failed reunion for the all-rounder. Since 2021, Maxwell has represented the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.