Kevin Pietersen lambasted Glenn Maxwell, who was out for a golden duck during Royal Challenger Bengaluru’s Eliminator game against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad today (May 22).

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Rajasthan won the toss and opted to bowl first against RCB in the knockout game, a decision that was soon vindicated as they reduced the opposition to 97-3 in 12.3 overs. On a red soil wicket, R Ashwin was at his accurate best, giving away 17 in his first three overs, before picking up two wickets in his fourth to hand Rajasthan the advantage.

He dismissed Cameron Green with the third ball of the over for a 21-ball 27 with Rovamn Powell taking a brilliant catch at extra cover. It brought in Glenn Maxwell, who was not in the greatest form in the competition and had voluntarily dropped himself from the XI to allow the other players on the bench an opportunity.

Will Jacks, who replaced him, made the most of his chance, with 230 runs with one hundred and one fifty. Jacks’ departure for the England-Pakistan T20Is, however, meant that Maxwell was back for the crucial game against Chennai Super Kings last week. The big-hitting Australian made a quick 16 in the clash, but was unable to replicate his form against RR today (Wednesday) as he fell for a first-ball duck to Ashwin.

The fourth ball of the 13th over was a carrom ball from the off-spinner, which Maxwell tried to slog away for a big hit. However, he only ended up slicing it to Dhruv Jurel at long on, to carry on his indifferent form in the competition.

The dismissal frustrated Virat Kohli in the dug out while also earning him the criticism of the on-air commentators, notably Pietersen. “What on earth was that from Glenn Maxwell?” asked Pietersen. “This is a huge game, you need your biggest players to perform, you need to give yourself a chance. That from Glenn Maxwell isn’t good enough.”

Maxwell has made only 52 runs at an average of 5.78 this year with a high score of 28.

Watch Maxwell’s dismissal here:

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