Long before they became teammates, Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell’s relationship was anything but friendly. Their rivalry peaked during the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the most heated Test series between India and Australia. During the third Test match in Ranchi, Kohli injured his shoulder while fielding, an incident that quickly became a topic of discussion and even mockery among rival players. Two days later, when it was Australia’s turn to field, Maxwell mimicked Kohli’s injured shoulder as he clutched his own in a humorous yet provocative gesture.

This act of imitation did not sit well with Kohli, known for his intense competitiveness. In response, Kohli blocked Maxwell on Instagram, marking a significant chill in their relationship. The incident, seemingly light-hearted on the surface, became a symbolic gesture of their rivalry. Reflecting on that time, Maxwell mentioned on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, “I think he got the sh**s with me and decided to block me. It was fair enough.” For years, they remained at odds, with little interaction on or off the field.

Forging new bonds at RCB: Kohli’s support for Maxwell

However, in a surprising twist, Kohli later played a pivotal role in bringing Maxwell into the RCB fold, despite their previous friction. Ahead of the 2021 IPL season, RCB acquired Maxwell for an impressive INR 14.25 crore, adding him to an already powerful batting lineup that included Kohli himself and South African legend AB de Villiers. The team quickly became one of the most formidable in the league, at least on paper, with Maxwell scoring over 500 runs that season and helping RCB reach the playoffs.

Maxwell was taken aback by Kohli’s warm welcome when he joined the RCB training camp. “Virat was the first guy to message me and welcome me to the team,” Maxwell recalled. Excited by his new team environment, Maxwell searched for Kohli on social media to reconnect, only to realize he was still blocked. At first, he thought Kohli might not be active on Instagram, but a teammate informed him of the real reason: Kohli had blocked him back in 2017 after the Ranchi incident.

Maxwell laughed it off and took the bold step to confront Kohli. “I asked him, ‘Did you block me on Instagram?’ and he was like, ‘Yeah, probably. It was when you mocked me during that Test match.’” Both players laughed it off, and Kohli promptly unblocked him. Their mutual acknowledgment of past misunderstandings laid the groundwork for a fresh start, and they quickly bonded over their shared experiences and ambitions for RCB.

From teammates to friends

Their relationship continued to grow as they spent more time together, both in the RCB dressing room and in training sessions. They developed mutual respect not only as cricket players but as individuals. Kohli, who is known for his dedication to fitness and training, became an influential figure for Maxwell, and the Australian all-rounder quickly adapted to Kohli’s intense training regimen.

Maxwell’s performances with RCB validated Kohli’s support, and their shared efforts brought a new energy to the team. Maxwell, who struggled with consistency in previous IPL seasons, credited much of his RCB success to the backing he received from Kohli and the team management. He ended the season as one of RCB’s most valuable players, helping them finish third and making a significant contribution to their playoff journey.

Today, Maxwell and Kohli are close friends, having moved past their early tensions. They even joke about their earlier rivalry, reflecting on how much both have matured over the years. Maxwell humorously remarked in his book that their shared experience of parenthood brought them closer, noting that their relationship had evolved from the “young and brash” players they once were into more seasoned athletes with a genuine bond.

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A friendship built on shared experiences

The once-fiery duo now share a deep bond, cultivated through shared struggles, personal growth, and respect. Maxwell’s gratitude towards Kohli’s support, despite their initial differences, speaks to the growth of both men. “It was a nice little story to have as a side note,” Maxwell reflected. “We’ve had quite a funny relationship leading up to playing IPL together. Sharing that dressing room, sharing experiences, and becoming parents at the same time…We’ve both come a long way.”

Kohli’s unwavering support for Maxwell, even during his challenging IPL journey, has cemented their friendship as one of mutual respect and understanding. Both stars have mellowed, no longer the “young and brash” rivals they once were, but rather seasoned players who have grown both on and off the field.