Glenn Maxwell’s remarkable Indian Premier League campaign has ended on a sour note, with both him and Australian teammate Dan Christian calling out “absolutely disgusting” social media abuse following the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s elimination overnight (AEDT).

In Virat Kohli’s final game as the franchise’s captain, RCB were knocked out by the Kolkata Knight Riders as player-of-the-match Sunil Narine beguiled the star-laden top order in removing the golden trio of Kohli, Maxwell and AB de Villiers.

The loss prompted a wave of abuse from upset Bangalore fans which Maxwell, who was out for fewer than 40 for the first time in his past six innings in the four-wicket defeat, decried in a series of impassioned social media posts.

“Some of the garbage that has been following on social media is absolutely disgusting!” he wrote.

“We are human beings who are giving our best each and every day. Try being a decent person maybe instead of spreading abuse.

“Thank you to the REAL fans that shared love and appreciation for the players giving their all! Unfortunately there is some horrible people out there that make social media a horrible place to be. It is unacceptable!!! Please don’t be like them.”

Christian, who made nine from eight deliveries and conceded 29 from 10 balls with the ball, revealed his partner’s Instagram page had been targeted.

“I didn’t have a great game tonight, but that’s sport,” he wrote. “However please leave her out of it.”

Both players will now join Australia’s squad for the World Cup (Christian as a reserve to the main squad) with Maxwell shaping as arguably the side’s most important player following an outstanding IPL campaign.

The right-hander made 290 runs at an average of 41.43 and, more importantly, a strike-rate of 143.56 during the second part of the IPL on UAE pitches that have been considerably less conducive to run scoring than during the initial stage of the tournament.
(Cricket Australia)