Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the recent criticism surrounding his limited involvement in the Indian Premier League, a debate that was sparked after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batter should consider returning to county cricket. Bethell’s career has already featured several high‑profile moments, most notably a century in the final Test of the 2023‑24 Ashes series at Sydney, which provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing English campaign. He later reinforced his reputation on the world stage by smashing an impressive 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March.
Since that performance, however, Bethell has not featured in the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He has spent six matches on the sidelines, watching his teammates compete while head coach Andy Flower has opted for other overseas options such as Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and fast‑bowler Josh Hazlewood. The 22‑year‑old now finds himself in a situation reminiscent of last season, when his IPL commitments delayed his domestic start and ultimately prevented him from overtaking Ollie Pope in England’s batting hierarchy before the Ashes were already lost. Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to return to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while the IPL continues.
On the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell responded with a measured perspective, saying there is no single "right" or "wrong" path for a young player navigating the modern cricket landscape. He reflected on the previous year, noting that a brief period away from competitive cricket left him feeling "undercooked" for the final stretch 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 explained. "I feel a similar surge now, after spending time with the RCB squad and absorbing the high standard of cricket in India.
The environment here is unique – everyone seems to raise their game subconsciously because of the tournament’s calibre, even if you’re not in the starting XI or the newly introduced impact‑player slot." Bethell’s comments contrast with the recent decision by England opener Ben Duckett, who terminated his contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and secure his Test place. While Duckett’s move appears decisive, Bethell has not signalled an immediate exit from the IPL, especially given RCB’s strong position in the league table and an existing agreement between the franchise and the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding player availability. Cook remains convinced that Bethell has the tools to address England’s opening‑bat problems, particularly as Zak Crawley’s future at number three looks increasingly uncertain.
"The way he handled the Sydney attack in those conditions showed he can open the innings," Cook said on the Stick to Cricket podcast. "If he can bat at three, he can certainly open.
The only issue is that he’s not currently playing, he’s just watching from the sidelines. Ideally, he would return to Warwickshire, open there, and keep the England pipeline healthy." Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, and he acknowledges that even practice sessions in India come with intense scrutiny. "There are hundreds of eyes on you, whether it’s coaches, teammates, or fans with phones recording every move," he said. "The pressure to perform in those net sessions is real, and while it’s not the same as a full county match, the exposure helps me develop resilience and adaptability." He also highlighted the importance of the team environment within RCB.
"We have practice matches when we’re not playing, and the whole squad pulls together to win the trophy again. It’s a collective effort, and even players like Jordan Cox aren’t left to wonder what’s happening on the sidelines." Bethell summed up his stance by stating, "There is no single right way to handle this. I truly believe staying in the IPL is the best thing for me right now." His unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground remains one of the few bright spots in England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat, earning him praise from Cook, who called him "the future of England cricket" after just his sixth Test.
This performance has fueled discussions about promoting Bethell to the opening slot, which could open a place for Somerset’s wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew. When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell replied, "I’d love to stay at three if that’s what the team wants. I enjoy the role and don’t see a massive difference between three and the top order. Players like Joe Root have moved up and down the order, so I’m happy to adapt if needed, but I’d prefer to cement my spot at three." He also addressed the criticism regarding his lack of a first‑class century before his Sydney heroics.
"There was a lot of talk about me not having a hundred in the county game, but I never let that distract me," Bethell said. "I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and my three international hundreds—one in ODIs, one in T20s, and the Test hundred—show that I can rise to the occasion.
There have been lean patches, like a tough English summer last year followed by low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes, but those experiences have taught me how to handle ups and downs on the road." Looking ahead, Bethell remains eager for more opportunities, both in the IPL and for England. "Those standout moments are great, but they only make me hungrier for more," he concluded. "I’m focused on learning, improving, and contributing wherever I’m needed, whether that’s in India, back in Warwickshire, or on the England shirt."