Glenn Maxwell's first Indian Premier League season as captain ended with a lopsided loss, third-ball duck and public rebuke from his Kings XI Punjab coach Virender Sehwag.
Punjab were embarrassed in their virtual IPL final against Steve Smith's Rising Pune Supergiant, suffering a nine-wicket loss that meant their opposition claimed the final berth in the playoffs.
Punjab were rolled for just 73 in 15.5 overs after being sent in by Smith, with both Australian skippers noting after the game that a sticky pitch meant the toss became very important.
Maxwell led last year's wooden spooners to seven wins this year, scoring 310 runs and snaring seven wickets as they finished fifth.
A seething Sehwag was far from impressed, especially with Maxwell's dismissal on Sunday night.
"We always knew that when Maxwell fires, then he can win the match on his own," Sehwag said.
"But he didn't fire in eight or nine games. That is a big disappointment, especially since he's experienced, having played for Australia's Test and ODI teams.
"He didn't take the responsibility as a captain and didn't perform.
"I'm very disappointed ... that none of the foreign players took responsibility and at least played 12 to 15 overs.
"They were complaining that the wicket was a bit slow but when you play international cricket so much, you should get used to playing on difficult or good wickets."
Sehwag also gave Shaun Marsh, who fell for 10, a clip.
"The way he got out was disappointing," the retired hard-hitting India opener said.
Smith finished unbeaten on 15, while compatriots Adam Zampa (2-22) and Dan Christian (2-10) also played key roles in the rout.
"The bowlers did a terrific job," Smith said.
"I was fortunate to win the toss, the ball was stopping."
Pune now face Mumbai Indians in a qualifying final on Tuesday night (0030 AEST on Wednesday), while David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad are up against Chris Lynn's Kolkata Knight Riders the following day in an elimination final.
Smith, Zampa, Warner and Lynn won't join Australia's Champions Trophy squad in England until their respective IPL campaigns end.
Maxwell will link up with the Australian-based members of the ODI squad, who fly out on Thursday, later this week in London.
"It's been an amazing experience captaining an IPL team for the first time! Hopefully I get the opportunity to captain a team again," Maxwell posted on Twitter.
"We tried our backsides off.
"As captain, I couldn't be more proud of the group."
