Photo: Iplt20.com

“I certainly feel that the whole competition thinks that it is Kings XI Punjab’s time to win that IPL trophy,” says a jovial Glenn Maxwell in an interview to a leading cricket website.

“It's getting closer and closer for us, they have been working hard for the last six years, and I’m certainly hoping that my addition and a few other additions this year that we can go all the way this year,” added the Australian all-rounder.

Maxwell’s optimistic comments are sure to be music to the ears of Kings XI Punjab fans, who would hope that this time around the team can go better than they did in the 2014 Indian Premier League season.

“I think it's good timing. Back in Kings XI colours, certainly looking forward to linking up with the guys in the UAE and hitting the ground running. I can’t wait to start playing with KL Rahul and play on his team rather than against him, I just think he’s an absolute class act,” added Maxwell, reigniting hopes amongst many KXIP supporters.

UAE advantage

Alongside his wishful thinking, the stats bode well for Maxwell’s aspirations for the 2020 IPL season being the one where Kings XI Punjab finally lay hands on that elusive title. Flashback to 2014, the Shers were unbeaten in the UAE leg of the tournament, becoming the first team in the history of the franchise competition to win their first five matches in any season.

Maxwell himself was in the form of his life in the early phase of the tournament, scoring 300 runs in the first five games which included three half centuries. The 31-year-old was the Orange cap holder for the UAE leg of the competition, and finished as second highest run getter overall behind Robin Uthappa.

“I think I started that tournament really well,” revealed Glenn Maxwell, speaking in reference to his 2014 season while going on to add “I prepared really well that year and the conditions really suited me.

“The grounds there are still quite big so there’s a lot of open space. There’s not a whole lot of bounce or spin, it is just a nice place to play. Always felt really comfortable there, something about the ground really suits my eye. When you find grounds like that anywhere in the world, you can start to get a real feel for them,” explained the Australian all-rounder.

“Myself and David (Miller) had a great season in 2014, and the joy that it brought to the Kings XI Punjab fans is something that I’ll never forget,” concluded Maxwell.

Maxwell’s words are bound to bring back many fond memories for Kings XI Punjab supporters, who saw their team totally dominate the group stages of the 2014 IPL season, alongside providing some wholesome entertainment.

Fast forward six years later, a returning Australian all-rounder alongside with a new energetic captain and an IPL season being played overseas, KXIP fans cannot be faulted for starting to believe again.