Glenn Maxwell’s untimely injury has delivered a significant blow to Punjab Kings’ campaign in IPL 2025. The Australian all-rounder, a vital cog in PBKS’s middle-order and leadership group, has been officially ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fractured finger during a training session earlier this week. The franchise has signed Australian domestic talent Mitch Owen as his replacement for the remainder of the season.
What Happened to Glenn Maxwell?
According to official statements released by the Punjab Kings management, Maxwell sustained the injury during a routine net session in Mohali. A rising delivery struck his right index finger, resulting in a non-displaced fracture confirmed by subsequent scans. Team doctors, in consultation with the BCCI medical panel, confirmed that the injury would require a recovery period extending beyond the tournament timeline.
This is not Maxwell’s first injury in recent years. He previously missed part of the 2023–24 Australian domestic season due to a broken leg and has faced recurrent hand and muscle injuries throughout his career. This latest setback has ended a season in which he was just beginning to show signs of vintage form with bat and ball.
Glenn Maxwell’s 2025 IPL Stats Before Injury
- Matches Played: 6
- Runs Scored: 178
- Strike Rate: 164.2
- Wickets Taken: 4
- Economy Rate: 7.65
Maxwell had played several impact innings in quick time, typically coming in during overs 10–14 and pushing PBKS to competitive totals. His off-spin was also crucial, often breaking partnerships or containing left-handers in middle overs.
Punjab Kings Sign Mitch Owen as Replacement
With the season entering its final league stage, Punjab Kings wasted no time in naming 23-year-old Mitch Owen as Maxwell’s replacement. Owen, a pace-bowling all-rounder from Tasmania, is yet to debut in the IPL but has impressed in the Big Bash League with his finishing ability and handy seam bowling.
While Owen lacks Maxwell’s experience, the franchise is reportedly excited about his fearless approach and athleticism. However, it remains to be seen how quickly he adapts to IPL pressure, spin-friendly pitches, and elite opposition.
What This Means for Punjab Kings
Maxwell’s absence creates both tactical and psychological voids. He was not only one of the most experienced players in the squad but also a flexible resource—capable of floating up the order, bowling critical overs, and mentoring younger players like Shashank Singh and Jitesh Sharma.
Strategically, PBKS now face a few challenges:
- They must rework their middle-over batting plans, likely promoting Liam Livingstone or Sikandar Raza.
- The team loses a matchup bowler against left-handers, placing more pressure on Sam Curran and Harpreet Brar.
- Leadership in crunch moments will now lean more heavily on Curran and Arshdeep Singh, especially in close finishes.
Final Word
Glenn Maxwell’s injury could not have come at a worse time for Punjab Kings, who are still fighting for a top-four spot. While the team has enough firepower to compete, losing one of their most dynamic players raises serious questions about their finishing capacity and bowling flexibility in high-stakes matches.
