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Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell are now known as close friends and fierce teammates for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but their journey to camaraderie was complex and filled with early tension.
Maxwell’s book, The Showman, offers insight into their relationship’s evolution, revealing that Kohli once blocked him on Instagram over an incident from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2017. Despite this cold phase, Kohli would later emerge as one of Maxwell’s biggest advocates when he joined RCB in 2021 after a turbulent stint with Punjab Kings (PBKS). This transition marked a turning point in their friendship, and their shared drive for success brought a new dimension to the RCB dressing room.
The incident that led Virat Kohli to block Glenn Maxwell
During the third Test of the 2017 Australia tour of India, an altercation unfolded between the two. Kohli sustained a shoulder injury while fielding in Ranchi, forcing him off the field temporarily. Maxwell, known for his flamboyant personality, was seen mimicking Kohli’s shoulder discomfort on the field, which Kohli viewed as disrespectful. Reflecting on the incident years later, Maxwell shared, “I remember joking about the injury. It was harmless to me at the time, but it really hit a nerve with Virat,”
Maxwell recounted in an interview on the LiSTNR Sport podcast how he later approached Kohli during an RCB training camp, asking, “Have you blocked me on Instagram?” Kohli responded, “Yeah, probably. It was when you mocked me during that Test match. I think I got the sh*** and decided to block you,” Laughing, Maxwell acknowledged, “I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s fair enough,” This honest exchange allowed the two to start afresh, turning their initial tensions into a humorous memory.
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Kohli’s support and maxwell’s journey at RCB
Ahead of IPL 2021, RCB made a significant investment in Maxwell, acquiring him for Rs 14.25 crore. With Kohli’s encouragement and an RCB lineup featuring Kohli, Maxwell, and AB de Villiers, Maxwell felt a renewed sense of purpose. Maxwell reflected, “When I knew I was going to RCB, Virat was the first guy to message me and welcome me to the team. It felt genuine and erased any lingering awkwardness,” Kohli’s backing gave Maxwell the confidence to play his natural game, and he flourished, scoring over 500 runs in the 2021 season, helping RCB reach the playoffs.
In his book, Maxwell wrote, “Virat’s faith in me at RCB was a defining factor in my performance. I owed it to him to show what I could bring to the table,” Kohli’s belief in Maxwell helped the Aussie all-rounder navigate the pressure of the IPL stage, ultimately shaping RCB into a formidable unit.
Uncertain future: Will RCB retain Maxwell?
Despite successful seasons, Maxwell’s performance in 2024 declined significantly. With just 52 runs in 10 matches and an average of 5.78, he struggled to replicate his previous form. As RCB faces a potential reshuffle and the retention deadline for IPL 2025 nears, Maxwell’s future with the team hangs in the balance. With a focus on rejuvenating the squad and perhaps targeting younger talent, RCB might release Maxwell ahead of the upcoming auction. Nonetheless, his contributions to the franchise and the friendship he’s built with Kohli have left an indelible mark on RCB’s recent history.
