Australia’s million-dollar man Glenn Maxwell says the Indian Premier League has prepared him for every pressure-filled scenario in cricket.
Maxwell, who in February landed a $1 million IPL deal with the Mumbai Indians, has had to deal with the burdens that come with such a price tag.
But the 25-year-old, who played only a handful of IPL games, says he was able to overcome that mental hurdle with the help of high profile teammates Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
“I was probably lucky I only played three games in that tournament,” Maxwell said.
“I didn’t have to live up to too much. I just had to play my role during those games and just try and deal with it as best I could.
“I didn’t think about it too much. It was just one of those things, you have to take it in your stride.
“A lot of guys go for big money in the IPL, it’s very lucrative that competition. I wasn’t alone.
“There were a lot of other guys that went for similar amounts of money.
“I was in good company at the Mumbai Indians.
“We had Punter (Ponting), Sachin and a few of the legends of the game in our team.
“It was nice talking to them. I just soaked them up for everything they had. It was a very enjoyable time.”
Maxwell says playing in the IPL and the Champions League ensures he will not be fazed by any cricketing scenario.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve got the opportunity to play in the IPL and the Champions League where you get used to these crowds,” he said.
“When you come over here you’re not overawed by it. It’s just another day at the office.”