Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the criticism surrounding his minimal on‑field involvement in this season's Indian Premier League, a debate that was reignited after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batsman should consider a return to county cricket. Bethell’s recent résumé includes a standout century in the final Test at Sydney in January, a performance that provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Ashes series for England. He further reinforced his reputation as a rising star by smashing an unbeaten 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March, a knock that underscored his ability to thrive under pressure.
Since then, however, Bethell has not featured in a competitive match. He has been part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for six games but has spent the majority of that time watching from the sidelines. Head coach Andy Flower has consistently favored other overseas options—Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Josh Hazlewood—leaving Bethell on the periphery. The 22‑year‑old now finds himself in a situation reminiscent of the previous season, when his IPL commitments delayed his participation in the early stages of the English domestic campaign and ultimately cost him a chance to overtake Ollie Pope in the national pecking order before the Ashes were already lost.
Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to abandon the idle role he currently occupies in India and head back to Warwickshire, where he could play regular county cricket rather than "sitting on his a***" without any match practice. Bethell addressed the issue on the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, noting that there is no single "right" or "wrong" path for a player in his position. He reflected on his own experience from the previous year, explaining that a period without competitive cricket left him under‑prepared for the concluding matches of the India series, a lesson he has taken to heart.
"When I came back from the IPL last year, I was flying into the West Indies series," Bethell said. "Now I feel a similar surge of confidence. The time I’ve spent training with the squad here, combined with the high standard of cricket in India and the IPL, has helped me feel better than I did a month after the World Cup." He added that the atmosphere of the IPL is unique, describing it as an environment where every player seems to elevate their game subconsciously because of the tournament's elite calibre.
Even when he is not part of the playing XI—or even the extended "impact player" group—Bethell believes the intensity of the surroundings pushes him to improve. The situation is not unprecedented.
England opener Ben Duckett recently terminated a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test place. Yet, for Bethell, an early departure appears unlikely. RCB are comfortably placed in the league table, and a working agreement already exists between the franchise and the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding player availability.
Cook remains convinced that Bethell demonstrated his ability to address England’s opening‑batting concerns during his performance in Sydney, where he handled a hostile attack in challenging conditions. "If he can bat at number three, he can open," Cook asserted on the Stick to Cricket podcast, though he cautioned that Bethell’s current lack of match practice is far from ideal. Cook suggested that Bethell could return to Warwickshire, open the innings there, and thereby provide England with a ready‑made solution for the top order.
Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, but he stresses that the pressure extends beyond match days. "There are hundreds of eyes on you, whether from coaches, teammates, or fans with phones in the crowd," he explained. "Even the net sessions carry weight because everyone is watching and evaluating your technique and temperament." While he acknowledges that practice games cannot fully replicate the rigour of a County Championship match, Bethell points out that the intensive training environment and the collective focus on winning the IPL trophy are invaluable. He highlighted the involvement of England’s Jordan Cox, noting that the entire squad is committed to the tournament’s success and that no player is left to merely watch from the sidelines.
Bethell’s unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground remains one of the few highlights of England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat, a knock that earned him the label of "future of England cricket" from Cook. The innings, achieved in only his sixth Test, sparked discussions about promoting him to an opening role, which could also open a slot for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew.
When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell replied, "I’d love to stay at three if it’s up to me. I really enjoy that spot. There isn’t a massive difference between three and opening; Joe Root himself moved up and then back down to number four. If the team wants me to open, I’m happy to do it, but I’m also keen to cement my place at three." Despite the criticism, Bethell remains confident that his performances for England are the foundation of his belief in his own abilities.
He dismissed concerns over the fact that he had not scored a first‑class hundred before his heroics in Sydney, emphasizing that he thrives against high‑quality opposition. "I’ve always performed better against stronger teams and bowlers," he said. "My three international centuries show that I can deliver, even if there have been lean patches." He reflected on the ups and downs of his career, acknowledging a difficult English summer last year followed by a low‑score slump in New Zealand before the Ashes, but he views those challenges as learning experiences that have made him more resilient. "It’s been great to have standout moments, but they only fuel my hunger for more," Bethell concluded.
Looking ahead, England’s home summer will kick off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand on June 4, broadcast live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options available for those without a subscription.