“Like Cummins, Dhoni can manage it.”

Former Indian captain Kris Srikanth has advised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to go after Australian Glenn Maxwell in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. Punjab Kings (PBKS) released the Australian veteran on deadline day for IPL 2026.

Maxwell is coming off a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, in which he averaged a dismal eight at a strike rate of less than 98 in seven matches. He fared even worse in his final season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2024, averaging less than a six in 10 matches.

Despite the poor numbers, Srikkanth believes that the presence of MS Dhoni can help Maxwell rediscover his best form for CSK.

“He is a player who needs guidance. This is where Dhoni will prove to be very useful. Cummins used him well in the 2023 World Cup when Australia won. He managed Maxwell well. Like Cummins, Dhoni can manage him very well. If Dhoni manages Maxwell well, he can be a good option,” Srikanth said on his YouTube channel (21:22).

“He can bat in different positions and hit three balls really well. I wouldn’t say he likes Jadeja. But he can to some extent fill Jadeja’s shoes,” the former Indian captain added.

CSK suffered their worst ever season in the IPL this year, finishing last in the standings for the first time in the franchise’s history.

“He’s a potential match-winner” – Chris Srikanth on Glenn Maxwell

Kris Srikanth has admitted that Glenn Maxwell will be the ultimate lottery if CSK picks the Australian all-rounder in the IPL 2026 auction. However, the former captain believes the veteran can be a winner in the few matches where he delivers his best.

“The real lottery pick could be Maxwell. But he has been terrible in the last two seasons. I can’t remember the last time he played a match-winning knock. As a cricketer, Maxwell is great. But to be honest, I don’t mind. He has performed well for two years for RCB,” Srikanth said (via the source cited above). This time, he was beaten in a controlled manner.”

He concluded:

“Although he has been erratic in his performance in the recent past, he is capable of winning matches. In 14 matches, he will perform in only four matches but in those four he will win on his own.”

Maxwell has been a part of the Indian Premier League for over a decade, amassing over 2,800 runs and picking up 41 wickets in 141 outings. Meanwhile, CSK has opened a purse of Rs 43.40 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.