With 294 runs from just four matches at an unbelievable strike rate of over 205, Glenn Maxwell has added a whole new dimension to batting in T20 format. In an interview, he tells Amit Chaudhary that he has always played like this. Excerpts
Right now everyone is talking about your batting. How does it feel to be at the centre of everyone’s attentionIJ
It is always nice to be appreciated; it feels good and very different. This is the first time my performance is being highlighted and talked about like this so I am focusing on continuing giving my best shot. I’ve hit a really good patch of form now and hope to continue for the remaining games.
We have seen many attacking batsmen in the past but no one has ever attacked like you. How did you develop this destructive batting style of yoursIJ
I’ve always played like this. There is no specific strategy involved here; it’s just the way I play. I try to hit the ball as hard as I can.
In Twenty20 cricket, you don’t get much time to get your eyes in. How do you plan your inningsIJ
I usually start with giving myself 3-4 balls to adjust. It’s only after that, that I start playing to the best of my ability while keeping the run rate in mind so that the team doesn’t lag behind. I have had a bit of luck as well. Hopefully, the luck stays with me and I can keep making some big scores.
These days, teams device comprehensive strategies for each and every player in the opposition. How do you counter their strategies on the fieldIJ
When on the field, I just focus on hitting the balls coming towards me and try to hit it into a gap.
Experienced cricketers say that a bowler needs to have at least three to four plans each time he runs in with a ball. Is it the same with the batsmenIJ
Yes, I totally agree with this line of thought. Be it bowling or batting, as a player you need to have 3-4 plans in mind to hit the right shot.
Bowlers use different strategies like wide yorkers, slow bouncers to trouble batsmen. What strategies do you as a batsman employ to trouble bowlersIJ
I usually try to upset the bowler by swinging in reverse shots. I try to manipulate the fielders as much as I can. It also depends on the bowler and the size of the boundary. I just try to target areas that I feel are my strengths.
How much the field that a bowler sets up reveals his plansIJ
Generally it gives the batsman a good idea about the sort of length the ball would be and whether they are trying to protect just one side of the field.
You play all kinds of shots including the reverse sweep. How do you decide which shot to play on a particular ballIJ
I don’t decide before hand and it all depends on the field and where I can hit the ball into the safest part of the ground for maximum results.
For KXIP, you are batting at number 3 and 4. Does it help to bat up the order because you have more balls to play and there is less pressure of fallen wicketsIJ
Yes, it is nice to have more time in hand to bat and build up an innings. Additionally, that ways you also get the best chance to make more runs at the top.
Do you think that bowlers are slightly disadvantaged in limited overs cricketIJ
In one day cricket I think bowlers are slightly disadvantaged, with only 4 fielders out and 2 new balls. However I think in T20 cricket, the bowlers have enough tricks and different strategies to succeed in this format of the game.
You have a strike rate of over 200 in fourmatches. That’s brutal batting. Do you ever feel sorry for the bowlersIJ!
Never! I’ve gone through plenty of tough patches in my cricket career so far. And you have to make the most of these times when you are in good form!