Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the criticism surrounding his limited playing time in the Indian Premier League, a debate sparked after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batter should head back to county cricket. Bethell’s recent record includes a century in the final Test at Sydney in January – a late‑bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Ashes campaign for England – and a spectacular 105‑run knock in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March. Those innings remain his most recent competitive scores, as he has yet to break into the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. To date, Bethell has watched six IPL matches from the bench.
Head coach Andy Flower has favoured other overseas options – Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and fast‑bowler Josh Hazlewood – leaving the 22‑year‑old on the periphery. This situation mirrors the previous season, when his IPL commitments curtailed his early‑season domestic form and delayed his challenge to Ollie Pope for a top‑order spot, a delay that proved costly as England eventually lost the Ashes.
Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to consider returning to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while doing little at the IPL. In a recent Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell replied that there is no single "right" or "wrong" path for a player in his position. He reflected on his own experience last year, noting that a brief period without match practice left him under‑prepared for the final phase of the India series, a lesson he has taken to heart.
"When I came back from the IPL last season I was flying into the West Indies series," Bethell said. "Now I feel a similar lift after spending time with the squad here in India, even if I’m not in the starting eleven. The standard of cricket in the IPL is extraordinary, and just being around that environment pushes you to improve, often subconsciously." Bethell highlighted that the impact of training with elite players extends beyond the playing XI.
Even as a non‑starter, he benefits from the intensity of practice sessions, the scrutiny of coaches, and the constant attention of spectators and media. "You have hundreds of eyes on you, whether it’s the coaches, teammates, or fans with their phones," he explained. "That pressure can be a catalyst for growth, even if you’re not getting full match time." He also pointed out that the IPL schedule now includes practice matches and intra‑squad games, which, while not a full replacement for County Championship fixtures, still provide valuable match‑like experience. "The whole squad is pulling together to win the trophy again, and players like Jordan Cox are not left idle on the sidelines," Bethell added.
"It feels like a collective effort, and that atmosphere is something you can’t replicate in domestic cricket." Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, a significant sum that underscores the stakes involved. Yet he insists the exposure and learning opportunities outweigh the monetary aspect. "Being in a tournament where the calibre is so high forces you to adapt and refine your game," he said. "That’s essential for my development and for England’s future." Cook, speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, praised Bethell’s performance in Sydney, arguing that the young batter could solve England’s opening‑bat problems, especially as Zak Crawley’s place looks increasingly uncertain.
"The way he handled the Australian attack in those conditions shows he can open the innings," Cook asserted. "If he can bat at three, he can certainly open." However, Cook also warned that Bethell’s current lack of regular cricket is less than ideal.
"He’s not opening because he’s not playing regularly – he’s essentially sitting on his a*** at the IPL," Cook said. "Ideally, he would return to Warwickshire, get consistent innings, and then be ready to serve England at the top of the order." Bethell’s situation contrasts with that of England opener Ben Duckett, who recently terminated his contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and secure his Test place. While Duckett’s move was swift, Bethell appears less inclined to abandon his IPL stint early, given the strategic benefits and the existing agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the IPL regarding player availability.
Beyond the immediate debate, Bethell reflected on his broader career trajectory. His unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground was a rare highlight in England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat, earning him accolades from Cook, who dubbed him "the future of England cricket" after just his sixth Test. That innings sparked discussions about promoting Bethell to an opening role, potentially opening a spot for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew.
When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell said, "I’d love to stay at three if that’s what the team wants. I enjoy the role and don’t see a huge difference between three and the top order. Joe Root had to open before moving back down, so I’m happy to adapt if needed, but three feels right for me right now." He also addressed the criticism that he had not scored a first‑class century before his Sydney heroics. "There was a lot of talk about me not having a first‑class hundred, but I never let that bother me," Bethell explained.
"I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and my centuries in ODIs and T20Is prove that I can handle quality bowling." Bethell admitted his form has been a roller‑coaster, citing a difficult English summer, a low‑scoring series in New Zealand, and the challenges of adapting to different conditions. Yet he views those ups and downs as essential learning experiences. "It’s been great to have standout moments, but they also make me hungry for more," he said.
"Spending a year traveling, playing in varied environments, and facing top‑class opponents has taught me resilience and the importance of continual improvement." Looking ahead, England’s home summer will kick off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand on June 4, and Bethell hopes his time in the IPL will translate into stronger performances for the national side. While the debate over his IPL involvement continues, the young batter remains confident that his current path – training with the best, absorbing the tournament’s intensity, and sharpening his skills – is the right one for his development and for England’s long‑term success.