Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the growing criticism surrounding his limited involvement in the Indian Premier League, a debate that was reignited after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batsman should consider returning to county cricket. The 22‑year‑old’s recent form has been a mixed bag: he dazzled with a century in the final Test at Sydney in January, a performance that offered a rare bright spot in England’s otherwise disappointing Ashes campaign, and he followed that up with a spectacular 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March. Those two innings have become the most recent competitive highlights of his career, as he has yet to break into the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side.
Since the IPL began, Bethell has been on the bench for six matches, watching his teammates – Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Josh Hazlewood – take the overseas slots chosen by head coach Andy Flower. The situation mirrors the previous season, when his IPL commitments curtailed his early‑season domestic appearances and delayed his challenge to Ollie Pope for a higher spot in the England hierarchy, a delay that proved costly as the Ashes were already lost by the time he could make a push.
Cook has not minced words, urging Bethell to abandon his peripheral role at the IPL and re‑engage with Warwickshire in the County Championship, rather than "sitting on his a*** not doing anything". On the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell offered a measured response, saying there is no single correct path for a young player navigating international and franchise commitments. He reflected on the previous year, noting that a period of inactivity after the IPL left him under‑prepared for the final India series, a lesson he has taken to heart.
"When I came back from the IPL last year, I felt like I was flying into the West Indies series," Bethell said. "Now I feel a similar lift after spending time with the RCB squad and experiencing the high standard of cricket in India. Even when you’re not in the starting XI, the environment pushes you to improve subconsciously because of the sheer calibre of the tournament." Bethell’s comments highlight a broader debate about the value of franchise cricket for developing players.
While some, like England opener Ben Duckett, have chosen to abandon IPL contracts – Duckett left the Delhi Capitals to focus on his county role with Nottinghamshire – Bethell appears less inclined to walk away. RCB sits comfortably in the league table, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) already has an agreement in place regarding player availability, suggesting that an early exit would be complicated. Cook remains convinced that Bethell possesses the technical tools to become a reliable opener for England. He cited the way Bethell handled the hostile Sydney conditions against a world‑class attack, arguing that a player capable of batting at number three can certainly be promoted to open the innings.
Yet Cook also expressed frustration that Bethell is not currently contributing on the field, describing his IPL situation as "sitting on his a***" and suggesting a return to Warwickshire could benefit both the county and the national side. Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, a sum that comes with its own pressures. He explained that even in net sessions, the scrutiny is intense: "There are hundreds of eyes on you, coaches, fellow players, and fans with phones recording every move. That exposure can be a double‑edged sword, but it also forces you to develop mental resilience." He acknowledged that practice matches and training drills cannot fully replicate the intensity of a competitive game, yet he believes the experience of being part of a high‑performing squad is invaluable.
"The whole team is pulling together to win the trophy again, and even players like Jordan Cox aren’t left on the sidelines. It’s a collective effort, and that environment helps me grow," he said. Bethell’s unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground remains one of the few highlights of England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat. Sir Alastair Cook praised the innings, labeling Bethell as "the future of England cricket" and sparking discussions about whether he should be moved up the order to open, potentially opening a spot for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew.
When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell was clear: "I’d love to stay at three if that’s where the team wants me. I enjoy the role and don’t see a huge difference between three and the top of the order.
Players like Joe Root have moved between opening and number four, so I’m flexible." He also addressed the criticism that he had not scored a first‑class hundred before his Sydney heroics. "There was a lot of talk about the lack of a first‑class hundred, but I never let that distract me.
I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and my centuries in ODIs and T20Is prove I can handle quality bowling," Bethell explained. He admitted there have been lean periods, citing a difficult English summer and low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes, but emphasized that those ups and downs are part of a young player’s development. Looking ahead, Bethell remains optimistic about his role in England’s upcoming summer programme, which includes a three‑Test series against New Zealand starting 4 June.
He believes the lessons learned in India – both on and off the field – will serve him well when he returns to the national side. "The experience has made me hungry for more.
I want to translate what I’ve learned in the IPL into performances for England," he concluded. In summary, while Sir Alastair Cook and some pundits argue that Bethell should abandon his peripheral IPL role and return to county cricket to sharpen his skills, Bethell feels that the high‑intensity environment, even as a non‑starter, is beneficial for his growth. He acknowledges the financial and psychological pressures but sees the overall experience as a stepping stone toward cementing his place in England’s top order, whether at three or as an opener, once the IPL season concludes.