Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the backlash he’s received for not getting much game time in the Indian Premier League, especially after former England skipper Sir Alastair Cook suggested he should head back to county cricket. The young batter’s recent record includes a century in the final Test at Sydney in January, which was a late‑season highlight in an otherwise disappointing Ashes campaign for England. He also produced a dazzling 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
However, those two innings remain his most recent competitive knocks, as he has not yet broken into the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. So far, Bethell has spent six IPL matches watching from the bench while head coach Andy Flower has opted for other overseas options such as Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Josh Hazlewood. The 22‑year‑old now finds himself in a familiar dilemma that echoed last season: his IPL commitments delayed his start to the English domestic season and ultimately prevented him from overtaking Ollie Pope in the England hierarchy before the Ashes were already lost.
Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to consider returning to Warwickshire rather than "sitting on his a***" while doing little at the IPL. In a recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell responded with a measured view. He said there is no single "right" or "wrong" path and reflected on the lessons he learned after missing match practice last year. "By not playing cricket for a while, I came into the end of that India series a little undercooked," he admitted, noting that the experience forced him to adapt quickly.
He went on to compare his current situation with his post‑IPL form of the previous year, when he felt "flying" heading into the West Indies series. "I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup," Bethell explained, crediting the quality of practice sessions and the high standards of cricket in India. He argued that even when you are not in the starting eleven, the environment of a tournament like the IPL raises everyone’s level subconsciously. "Everyone almost ups their game without even realizing it because of the calibre of the competition," he said, adding that the impact‑player rule means even the squad members who sit on the bench benefit from the intensity.
Bethell’s stance contrasts with England opener Ben Duckett, who recently walked away from a Delhi Capitals contract to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects. Yet the prospect of Bethell seeking an early exit appears slim.
RCB sit comfortably in the league table, and the England and Wales Cricket Board already have an agreement in place regarding player availability for the IPL. Cook believes Bethell proved in Sydney that he could address England’s opening‑bat problems, especially as Zak Crawley’s place looks increasingly tenuous.
"The way he played at Sydney against that attack in those conditions shows he can open," Cook said on the Stick to Cricket podcast. "If he can bat at three, he can open." Nevertheless, Cook warned that Bethell’s current lack of match practice is far from ideal. "He’s sitting on his a*** at the IPL not doing anything.
Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England," Cook argued, emphasizing the need for regular competitive cricket. Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, but he stresses that the pressure extends beyond match days. He described the constant scrutiny from coaches, teammates, and a sea of spectators with phones raised.
"You have hundreds of eyes on you, and you feel the need to prove yourself even in net sessions," he said. While acknowledging that practice games cannot fully replace the rigour of a County Championship match, he believes the exposure to high‑pressure environments is valuable for his development. Bethell also highlighted the collective effort within the RCB squad. Even when he is not on the field, he participates in team drills and feels the camaraderie that drives the group toward the trophy.
He mentioned that England international Jordan Cox (nicknamed "Coxsy") is also kept engaged, ensuring no player is left idle on the sidelines. In summary, Bethell insists there is no single "right" route for his career at this stage. "I firmly believe this is the thing for me to be doing right now," he concluded, reinforcing his commitment to the IPL experience despite the criticism. Bethell’s unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground remains one of the few bright spots in England’s 4‑1 Ashes loss.
Sir Alastair Cook hailed him as "the future of England cricket" after that innings, which came in only his sixth Test. The performance sparked discussions about moving him up the order to open, potentially opening a slot for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew. When asked about the prospect of opening, Bethell said he would be happy to stay at number three if that’s where the team needs him. "I like three and I'd love to cement that spot as mine if possible," he explained, noting that players like Joe Root have shifted between opening and the middle order during their careers.
He also addressed doubts about his lack of a first‑class century before the Sydney heroics. "There was a lot of talk about me not having a first‑class hundred, but I never paid it much attention," Bethell said. He believes he performs best against strong opposition and that his three international centuries – in ODIs, T20Is and Tests – demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion.
He acknowledged that he has experienced ups and downs, citing a modest English summer, a low‑scoring spell in New Zealand, and a period of feeling out of touch before the Ashes. Yet he views those challenges as learning opportunities that have made him hungrier for success.
Looking ahead, Bethell will be part of England’s home summer, which kicks off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand on June 4, broadcast on Sky Sports. He remains focused on converting the lessons from the IPL into performances that will benefit both his county side and the national team.