Virender Sehwag’s recent remarks about Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone have added fuel to an old rivalry that traces back to the 2017 IPL season. Known for his candid and often controversial opinions, Sehwag didn’t hold back in criticizing the duo’s performances in IPL 2025. The former India cricketer claimed that Maxwell and Livingstone were more focused on enjoying a “holiday” rather than showing the hunger and determination needed to perform in the IPL. This latest comment only intensifies the friction between Sehwag and Maxwell, which has been simmering for years.
Sehwag’s Criticism: Maxwell and Livingstone’s Lack of Hunger
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Sehwag said, “They just come here for a holiday and leave. There’s no visible desire to fight for the team.” This sharp critique came in the wake of Maxwell and Livingstone’s disappointing performances for Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, respectively, in IPL 2025. Sehwag’s frustration was palpable as he spoke about their lack of intent in the ongoing season.
A Long History of Tension: Sehwag vs Maxwell
The tension between Sehwag and Maxwell is nothing new. Their relationship soured during the 2017 IPL season when Maxwell captained Punjab Kings, with Sehwag serving as the franchise’s mentor. Maxwell, in his book Maxwell – The Showman (2024), revealed that Sehwag had a “dictator-type” approach, making the key decisions alone without consulting others. Maxwell recalled his attempt to involve the coaching staff in decision-making, only to be sidelined by Sehwag, who ultimately had the final say.
One of the most notable incidents described by Maxwell was regarding Ishant Sharma. After being left out of the playing XI, Ishant turned up for the game despite not being selected. When a last-minute change was made to the team, Maxwell was upset with Sehwag’s handling of the situation. This, along with other decisions, led to Maxwell feeling alienated and eventually texting Sehwag to express his hurt. Sehwag’s response was blunt: “Don’t need a fan like you.”
Maxwell’s Disappointment with Sehwag’s Behavior
The fallout between the two reached its peak after Punjab’s disastrous final league match in 2017. Maxwell had volunteered to attend the post-match press conference, but it was Sehwag who showed up and openly criticized Maxwell, calling him a “big disappointment.” This public reprimand only added to Maxwell’s frustration, leading him to declare that he had lost a fan in Sehwag.
Maxwell’s Return to Punjab and Continuing Struggles
After leaving Punjab in 2017, Maxwell returned to the franchise in 2020. However, his time with the team has been marked by inconsistency. Now, in his third stint with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Maxwell has once again failed to live up to his price tag, adding another chapter to his tumultuous relationship with Sehwag.
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