Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the criticism surrounding his limited playing time in the Indian Premier League, especially after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested he should head back to county cricket. The 22‑year‑old’s recent career highlights include a century in the final Test at Sydney in January, which provided a late‑stage boost to England’s otherwise disappointing Ashes campaign, and a blistering 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March. Those innings remain his most recent competitive knocks, 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, with head coach Andy Flower opting for other overseas options such as fellow England player Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the fast‑bowling all‑rounder Josh Hazlewood.
The situation mirrors the previous season, when his IPL commitments delayed his involvement in the early part of the English domestic season and ultimately kept him behind Ollie Pope in the England hierarchy until the Ashes were already lost. Cook has been outspoken, urging Bethell to consider a return to Warwickshire rather than "sitting on his a***" while doing little at the IPL.
On the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell responded calmly, saying there is no single correct path for a young player navigating the demands of modern cricket. He reflected on his own experience after the 2023 India series, noting that a period without match practice left him "undercooked" for the final stages of that tour, a lesson he has taken to heart. "When I came back from the IPL last year, I felt like 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 and absorbing the high standards of the tournament." He emphasized that the IPL environment offers learning opportunities beyond the playing XI.
"Even when you’re not in the starting eleven, you can feel the intensity rise around you," he explained. "Everyone pushes a little harder simply because the competition is so strong.
That vibe seeps into training sessions, net practice and even the mindset of the impact player." Bethell’s situation is contrasted with England opener Ben Duckett, who recently terminated his contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects. For Bethell, an early exit from RCB appears unlikely.
The franchise is comfortably placed in the league table, and a clear agreement exists between the IPL side and the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding player availability. Cook believes Bethell demonstrated during the Sydney Test that he could address England’s opening‑batting concerns, especially as Zak Crawley’s position looks increasingly tenuous. However, Cook also warned that Bethell’s lack of regular match play is far from ideal. "He could certainly open if he wanted to, but right now he’s not playing," Cook said on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
"Ideally he would return to Warwickshire, get runs, and be ready for England when needed." Financially, Bethell earns roughly £250,000 from his IPL contract, but he stresses that the pressure extends beyond match days. "There are hundreds of eyes on you in the nets, coaches, teammates, and fans with phones filming every movement," he noted.
"That exposure forces you to keep your standards high, even when you’re not on the field." He acknowledged that practice matches cannot fully replicate the intensity of a competitive game, yet the squad’s collective effort to win the trophy again provides valuable experience. "Jordan Cox and the rest of the group aren’t just watching from the sidelines; we’re all pulling together," Bethell added. "There’s no single right way to handle this, but I truly believe staying here is the best move for me right now." Bethell’s unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground was a rare bright spot in England’s 4‑1 Ashes loss, earning him praise from Cook, who called him "the future of England cricket" after just his sixth Test. Discussions have surfaced about moving him up the order to open, which would open a place for Somerset’s wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew.
Bethell, however, expressed a preference for batting at number three. "I love the three‑down position and would be happy to cement it," he said. "There isn’t a huge difference between three and the top, and I’ve seen players like Joe Root transition between roles successfully." When asked about the criticism regarding his lack of a first‑class hundred before the Sydney heroics, Bethell shrugged it off. "People talked about the missing hundred, but I never let it bother me," he said.
"I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and that’s reflected in my three international centuries across ODIs and T20s." He admitted that his form has fluctuated, citing a modest English summer followed by a hundred, then a string of low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes. "From the outside it might look smooth, but I’ve experienced highs and lows, and the travel and constant change have taught me to manage those swings," Bethell explained. "Those standout moments fuel my hunger for more." Looking ahead, England’s home summer begins with a three‑Test series against New Zealand on June 4, and Bethell’s development will be closely watched.
Whether he returns to county cricket or continues to hone his craft within the IPL environment, his statements suggest a clear belief that the current path—training alongside world‑class talent, absorbing the pressure of a global tournament, and staying ready for England—aligns with his personal and professional goals.