Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Glenn Maxwell can get back to prime form during the T20 World Cup 2026, which gets underway on February 7. The star all-rounder scored just 76 runs from eight innings in the Big Bash League 2025–26. Maxwell also had an underwhelming campaign with the ball, picking up just two wickets. He also dropped several catches, which is quite shocking from one of the greatest fielders of all time.
His returns in T20 Internationals have also been underwhelming,
with 171 runs from nine innings at an average of 21.37 since 2025, along with six wickets. Despite the paltry returns, Ponting feels that the World Cup will help Maxwell rediscover his form. The former also mentioned how Maxwell has had some memorable moments in World Cups over the years.
“If the edge starts to come off, it's hard to find it and replace it. But if anything's going to bring it out of him, a World Cup will. He's had some pretty amazing moments in World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia's sake he can have a few more over the next few weeks,” Ponting told the West Australian.
Ponting feels that while Maxwell's recent form won't help him get selected in the playing XI, his experience and the conditions could keep him in contention.
“You couldn't pick him on form at the moment because of what everyone else in that squad has done through the BBL. But they'll pick him because of his experience and probably because of the conditions as well,” Ponting said.
Ponting noted that Maxwell's ability to dominate spinners and also roll his arm over will add more balance and depth to the Australian side, especially during the initial stages.
“He's probably going to be facing a lot of spin bowling and he'll give the option to be able to bowl some as well. They've got some pretty easy games and that might be just exactly what he needs to get himself into some touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that might hold him in good stead for the back half," Ponting stated.
Ponting also pointed out the unpredictablilty in Maxwell's game, where he can bring out a match-winning performance even when he is going through a lean patch.
“He can because he always has. I've coached him a lot and he's a really hard player to read what's going to happen because he can have a week of the best training you've ever seen and then come out and it does not happen. And he could have the world's worst week leading into a game and come out and do something crazy,” Ponting said.
