IPL five-time champions, CSK, may finally have an opportunity to acquire their long-term target, Glenn Maxwell. The rumours have been flying around since Punjab Kings might want to do away with Glenn Maxwell after a poor IPL 2025. The Australian all-rounder had a disastrous campaign with the bat, scoring just 48 runs in six innings at a paltry average of 8.00.

Also, he could get only 4 wickets over 13 overs, which does not justify the INR 4.2 crore price tag. Experts in in-depth discussions have questioned the 36-year-old's form, criticizing his commitment and approach during the tournament.

Maxwell's teammate Cheteshwar Pujara told ESPNCricinfo, "The way he bats hasn't changed much. He hasn't changed the way he has approached the IPL. There have been times when he's been a little casual. He's the same as what he was maybe eight to ten years ago. I'm a little critical, but there are times when, as a player, you need to wake up." 

He further added, “You need to realize you're getting an opportunity to play and be part of a franchise where things are at stake. And there are times a player can get casual; they're not worried about what's happening. I'm sure he wants to perform, but when you're not performing, there's a fine line between being casual and just trying to pull up your socks and trying to perform. He has to find that balance. If there was any other player, he would've been out of the XI, but because he's Maxwell, he's getting that opportunity.”

However, it is not surprising that CSK is interested in Maxwell, considering his performance at Chepauk. The Australian has generally performed well at the venue, adapting to the slow, turning pitches while many other overseas power hitters struggled. Also, timing could not be better since the five-time champions ended the 2025 season with their worst performance ever in the franchise, placing themselves at the bottom of the table. 

The CSK will need a major strategic overhaul when moving to the 2026 season, especially during the death overs. Their strike rate of 155.80 was the lowest among all teams. So, Maxwell's explosive capabilities could be precisely what CSK needs. Both his power-hitting and spinning capabilities might be the exact missing piece that CSK will need to get back to its usual match-winning momentum.

However, the trademark won't be easy to get for CSK. Rajasthan Royals have also been showing interest in Maxwell. Despite being in strong positions throughout 2025, they struggled to finish games. Maxwell's ability to handle spin bowling and accelerate towards the back end of innings makes him an attractive proposition for the Royals.

Also, some reports suggest a potential player swap in the Gujarat Titans due to their middle-order batting struggles at crucial moments. This is more evident in their Eliminator loss to Mumbai Indians, as they search for reliable finishers, and Glenn Maxwell might be a good option. 

Despite the poor performance in IPL 2025, Maxwell was the sensation during 2023, scoring 400 runs for RCB at a strike rate of 183.4. It has been a steep fall for him since then.  But CSK's track record of reviving careers suggests they see potential where others see problems. The franchise had previously engaged in a bidding war with RCB for Maxwell in 2021, indicating long-standing interest.

The trade window for the IPL 2026 launched seven days after the IPL 2025 ended on June 10th. Playing teams have the option of selling players to other teams in cash deals or even player-to-player deals, and the IPL Governing Council must agree to the action.

CSK has had a great history of rehabilitating, and Maxwell can fit into Chennai conditions; thus, such a prospective union of the two teams is not just an exchange of players. In the case of CSK, Maxwell may be a missing jigsaw in solving their death-over problem and bringing depth to their spin bowling resources. Maxwell has never played an IPL game at this ground but has always shown promise here and, to Maxwell, it would be an opportunity to find his form back that makes him one of the most feared T20 players in the world.