Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the wave of criticism that has surrounded his limited on‑field opportunities in the Indian Premier League, especially after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested he might be better served by returning to county cricket. The 22‑year‑old’s recent career highlights include a late‑season century in the final Test at Sydney in January – a bright spot in an otherwise dismal Ashes tour for England – and a spectacular 105‑run knock in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March, which cemented his reputation as a rising star. However, those two innings remain his only competitive appearances of the current season, as he has yet to break into the playing XI of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise.
Since the start of the IPL, Bethell has watched six matches from the bench while head coach Andy Flower has preferred other overseas options such as Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the fast‑bowling all‑rounder Josh Hazlewood. This situation mirrors the previous year when his IPL commitment delayed his involvement in the early part of the English domestic season, ultimately preventing him from overtaking Ollie Pope in the national pecking order before the Ashes series was already lost. Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to consider a return to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while the IPL campaign continues.
In a recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell offered a measured response: "I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to do it. We saw last year that taking a break from cricket left me a little under‑cooked for the final India series, and that was a learning experience." He went on to compare his current situation with his post‑IPL form from the previous season, noting that after returning from the tournament he felt "flying" heading into the West Indies series. "I feel better now than I did a month after the World Cup," Bethell said, "thanks to the time I've spent with the squad here and the sheer standard of cricket in India and the IPL." Bethell emphasised that the experience of being part of a high‑profile tournament extends beyond match days. "It’s something few people truly understand until they’re actually in the environment.
The atmosphere is different – everyone subconsciously raises their game because of the calibre of the competition. That effect is felt even when you’re not in the starting XI or the new impact‑player slot." The contrast with England opener Ben Duckett, who recently terminated his contract with the Delhi Capitals to re‑join Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test place, highlights how rare an early exit from the IPL is for a young English talent. RCB are comfortably placed in the league table, and the England and Wales Cricket Board already have an agreement in place regarding player availability, making a mid‑season departure unlikely.
Cook remains convinced that Bethell’s performance in Sydney proved he could solve England’s opening‑bat problems, especially as Zak Crawley appears set to lose his spot. "The way he handled that attack in those conditions shows he can open the innings. If he can bat at three, he can certainly open," Cook asserted on the Stick to Cricket podcast. Yet he added that it would be "ideal" for Bethell to return to Warwickshire and take on an opening role there, rather than remaining idle in the IPL.
Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, but he argues that the pressure and exposure in India are invaluable. "There are hundreds of eyes on you – coaches, teammates, fans with phones in the crowd – constantly assessing whether you’re good enough.
Even the net sessions are high‑stakes," he explained. "You may not get the same volume of match time as you would in a County Championship season, but the intensity of training and the scrutiny help you develop resilience." He also pointed out that the RCB schedule includes practice matches when the team is not playing a competitive fixture. "These aren’t the same as full games, but they give us valuable time in the middle and keep the squad cohesive.
Everyone knows it’s a collective effort to win the trophy again, and players like Jordan Cox aren’t left on the sidelines to wonder what’s happening." Summing up his stance, Bethell said, "There is no single right way. I firmly believe this is what I need to be doing right now." Bethell’s unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground remains one of the few bright moments in England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat, earning him praise from Cook, who called him "the future of England cricket" after only his sixth Test. Discussions have surfaced about moving him up the order to open, which could also open a place for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew. When asked about a potential promotion, Bethell replied, "I’d love to stay at three if that’s the decision.
I enjoy the role and don’t see a huge difference between three and the top. Players like Joe Root have moved between opening and number four, so I’d be happy to adapt if required. But I’d also love to cement my spot at three." Reflecting on his overall journey, Bethell said his performances for England are what he "pretty much believes in," despite critics pointing out that he had not scored a first‑class hundred before his heroics in Sydney. "There’s always talk about the lack of a first‑class ton, but I never let that distract me.
I thrive against top‑class opposition, and that’s reflected in my three international hundreds across formats." He acknowledged the ups and downs of his career, noting a poor English summer followed by a century, then a string of low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes, which left him feeling "a bit out of touch". "From the outside it may look smooth, but I’ve experienced both highs and lows, and those experiences have taught me to manage the roller‑coaster of form," he said.
"Those standout moments fuel my hunger for more." Looking ahead, England’s home summer will kick off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand from June 4, broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available for those without a subscription.