Maxi captaincy ‘surprising but exciting’

Glenn Maxwell's dream month of cricket has continued with the Australian boasting an unbeaten record in the early stages of his first major captaincy role.

Four weeks after he notched his maiden Test century, a breakthrough 104 against India in Ranchi, Maxwell has helped his Kings XI Punjab open their Indian Premier League campaign with consecutive wins, reports cricket.com.au

The right-hander has posted scores of 44no and 43no at a strike rate of better than 200 in two successful run chases and says he's thrived on the extra responsibility of being his side's skipper.

And former Australia captain and IPL-winning coach Ricky Ponting says the elevation to a leadership role could be the beginning of something special for the enigmatic allrounder.

"I was a little bit surprised (they made him captain) but I'm actually really excited for him to get that opportunity," Ponting told cricket.com.au last week.

"I actually think it'll bring the best out of him. His last couple of years of IPL cricket haven't been as good as the years prior, but to get that bit more of responsibility could be just what he needs.

"We've just seen him have a breakthrough Test innings a couple of weeks ago, which I think delighted all of Australia. Everyone has been waiting for that breakout performance and there it was.

"This could just be the start. It could be the beginning of a very, very good back half of Glenn Maxwell's life. So I wish him all the best."