"I texted him that he is a freak and a madman" - Virat Kohli recalls Glenn Maxwell's 201* in 2023 World Cup in latter's autobiography
Team India batting stalwart Virat Kohli recalled Glenn Maxwell's heroics against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. The 35-year-old revealed that he texted Maxwell to tell him he was a freak and a madman after his knock.
With Australia reeling at 91/7 chasing down 292, Maxwell scored a breathtaking 201* to drive their side to a three-wicket win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At the other end, captain Pat Cummins stayed unbeaten on 12 after playing 60 deliveries to support the Victorian.
With Maxwell recently releasing his autobiography, the foreword section of the book included words from Kohli. The Indian legend stated that it was surreal to see the Aussie legend at the venue and felt he was the only cricketer capable of doing it. Kohli's wrote:
"The whole cricket world was glued to those final stages as he kept bombing sixes on one leg without a helmet too. Going down time and again with cramp, limping for singles - it was compelling drama and so Maxi.
"When it was over, I texted him along those lines: that he is a freak and a madman. In my view, he is the only player in the world capable of doing what he did. Concluding with such a milestone was perfect, capping an unparalleled knock."
Kohli opined that it was one of those nights when Maxwell had got hold of the opposition and would win the game for his side at any cost. He continued:
"The game was moving so quickly in Afghanistan's direction and knowing their spinners, it would get no easier. Checking in as he and Pat Cummins rebuilt, I said with half seriously that with Maxi there, anything could happen.
"By the time he reached his century, I genuinely thought he was going to win it. I've seen what it's like when Maxi gets hold of a team and it felt like one of those nights. Yet to think he would end up with a double-century was another layer of unbelievable."
The spin-bowling all-rounder had been constantly battling cramps, especially after reaching his century during that innings. With Australia sealing their place in the semi-finals, Maxwell was rested from the following game.
"We pretended to fight for a second before both starting to laugh" - Virat Kohli
Kohli went on to remember the banter he and Maxwell shared during the final, claiming that theirs is a hallmark of a good friendship. He recalled:
"Twelve days later, in the final, when Maxi threw the ball back in, I instinctively stuck up a hand and blocked it. Earlier in our careers, with so much on the line, you can guarantee there would have been an altercation. But now? We pretended to fight for a second before starting to laugh. That's exactly as it should be - competitive but respectful."
Maxwell hit the winning runs during the final against India in Ahmedabad as Australia sealed their sixth World Cup crown.