Ricky Ponting backs struggling Glenn Maxwell in Australia's T20 World Cup 2026 roadmap

Glenn Maxwell [Source: AFP]Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has come out in support of Glenn Maxwell, saying he believes the experienced all-rounder can return to his best form during the T20 World Cup 2026. Even though Maxwell has gone through a rough patch recently, Ponting feels that big tournaments often bring out the best in players like him.Glenn Maxwell's struggles continueIn recent months, Glenn Maxwell has struggled to make an impact. During the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 season, he scored only 76 runs from eight innings, which is well below his usual standards. Moreover, his bowling did not impress either, as he picked up just two wickets throughout the tournament. To add to his difficulties, Maxwell also dropped several catches in the field, which surprised many fans since he is considered one of the best fielders in the game.Similarly, his performances in T20Is have also been disappointing. Since 2025, Maxwell has scored 171 runs from nine innings at an average of 21.37, along with six wickets. Because of these numbers, questions have been raised about his form and place in the team.Ricky Ponting backs Glenn Maxwell for T20 World CupDespite these struggles, Ricky Ponting believes that the pressure and excitement of a World Cup can help Maxwell rediscover his spark. “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.Glenn Maxwell likely to feature in Australia’s playing XIRicky Ponting also expects Maxwell to be included in Australia’s playing XI for the opening match of the tournament. Australia, who are the defending champions, have been placed in Group B along with Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. While Ponting admitted that Maxwell’s recent form alone would not earn him selection, he stressed that experience plays a major role in tournaments like this.“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.Furthermore, Ponting explained that Maxwell’s ability to play spin bowling and contribute with the ball gives Australia extra balance. “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.”“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.Australia’s T20 World Cup journey beginsAhead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Maxwell has been rested for Australia’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Australia will then begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.