Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the recent wave of criticism surrounding his limited on‑field opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 22‑year‑old’s recent performances for England have sparked a debate about whether he should abandon his IPL contract and return to county cricket, a suggestion famously voiced by former England captain Sir Alastair Cook. Bethell, however, insists that his current path is the right one for his development, even if it means spending much of the tournament on the bench.
The young batter’s career hit a high‑note in January when he scored a century in the final Test at Sydney, a performance that briefly lifted England’s otherwise bleak Ashes tour. He followed that with a blistering 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March, cementing his reputation as a rising star capable of delivering under pressure. Those innings remain his most recent competitive knocks, as he has yet to break into the playing XI of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. So far, Bethell has been part of six IPL matches without taking the field.
Head coach Andy Flower has consistently preferred fellow England players Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for the overseas slots, leaving Bethell on the sidelines. This situation mirrors the previous season, when his IPL commitments delayed his start to the English domestic campaign and ultimately prevented him from overtaking Ollie Pope in the national pecking order before the Ashes were lost. Cook’s criticism was blunt: he urged Bethell to return to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while the IPL continues.
On the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell responded with a measured perspective. "I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to do it," he said, acknowledging that a period without match practice can be a learning experience. He reflected on his own form after the 2022 India series, noting that a short break had left him "a bit undercooked" but also provided valuable lessons.
Bethell argued that the experience of being in the IPL environment, even when not playing, has been beneficial. "I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup, simply because I’ve been around the guys here and the standard of cricket in India is extraordinary," he explained. He emphasized that the tournament’s intensity raises the overall level of play, even for those not in the starting XI or the newly introduced impact player slot.
"Everyone almost ups their game subconsciously because of the calibre of the competition," he added. The situation is not without precedent. England opener Ben Duckett recently turned down a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test place. By contrast, Bethell appears less inclined to abandon his IPL contract, which reportedly earns him around £250,000.
He pointed out that even practice sessions in India carry significant pressure, with countless eyes—coaches, teammates, and fans with smartphones—scrutinising every move. "You’re constantly being evaluated," Bethell said. "Even if you’re not getting match time, the exposure to high‑quality training, the scrutiny, and the expectation to perform when called upon are all part of the growth process." He highlighted that RCB is comfortably placed in the standings and that an agreement already exists between the IPL franchise and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding player availability, suggesting that an early exit is unlikely. Cook remains convinced that Bethell’s performances in Australia demonstrated his ability to address England’s opening‑bat problems, especially as Zak Crawley’s position looks increasingly precarious.
"The way he played at Sydney, against that attack, in those conditions, shows he can open," Cook said on the Stick to Cricket podcast. Yet he reiterated his belief that Bethell should be playing county cricket to sharpen his skills, stating, "Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England." Bethell, however, countered that the IPL’s training environment offers a different kind of preparation.
He noted that the squad’s collective focus on winning the trophy creates a team‑first mentality that benefits individual development. "Even when we’re not playing, we’re pulling together, practising together, and learning from each other," he explained.
He also mentioned that England international Jordan Cox is not being left idle, reinforcing the idea that the whole group is engaged. When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell expressed a clear preference for the number three slot.
"I’d love to stay at three if it’s up to me. I really like the position," he said. He compared his situation to that of Joe Root, who moved from opening to the middle order before returning to the top.
Bethell said he would be happy to open if the team required it, but his comfort lies at three, where he believes he can contribute most effectively. Reflecting on his journey, Bethell admitted that critics have highlighted his lack of a first‑class hundred before his Sydney heroics. He dismissed the criticism, stating, "I never paid that too much attention.
I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and that’s evident in my scores against top teams." He acknowledged the inevitable ups and downs of a young career, citing a difficult English summer and low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes as learning experiences. Bethell concluded on a confident note, emphasizing his hunger for further success.
"It’s been great to have those standout moments, but they only make me want more," he said. He believes that the combination of high‑level practice in India, occasional match exposure, and the support of his teammates will prepare him for the challenges awaiting him in the upcoming English summer, where England will host New Zealand in a three‑Test series starting June 4.
In summary, while Sir Alastair Cook and some pundits argue that Bethell should abandon his IPL stint to regain form in county cricket, the young batsman maintains that the experience, training intensity, and personal growth he gains in India are invaluable. He sees no single "right way" to progress, and he is convinced that staying with RCB, even in a peripheral role, aligns with his long‑term objectives for England and his own development as a world‑class cricketer.