Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the criticism he’s been receiving over his limited playing time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a debate that was sparked after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batter should consider returning to county cricket. The 22‑year‑old’s recent form has been a mixed bag: he finished the Ashes series with a maiden Test century in the final match at Sydney, and he later produced a spectacular 105‑run knock in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India. Those innings highlighted his potential and cemented his reputation as one of England’s most promising talents.
However, since joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, Bethell has not yet broken into the playing XI, spending six matches on the bench while head coach Andy Flower has opted for other overseas imports such as Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the fast‑bowling all‑rounder Josh Hazlewood. The situation mirrors the previous season when Bethell’s IPL commitments delayed his start to the domestic campaign and ultimately prevented him from overtaking Ollie Pope in the England pecking order before the Ashes were lost.
Cook, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, urged Bethell to abandon the sidelines and head back to Warwickshire, arguing that “sitting on his a*** not doing anything” in India would not benefit either the player or the national side. Bethell’s response was measured and reflective. On the same podcast he said, “I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to do it.
We saw last year that taking a break from regular cricket left me a little under‑cooked for the end of the India series, and that was a learning experience.” He went on to compare his current state with his form after returning from the IPL last year, when he felt “flying” heading into the West Indies series. “I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup, simply because I’ve been training with the guys here and the standard of cricket in India and the IPL is incredibly high,” he added. Bethell emphasized that the IPL environment offers benefits beyond match minutes.
“It’s something many people won’t understand until they’re actually around a team or a tournament like this. The atmosphere is different – everyone subconsciously raises their game because of the calibre of the competition.” He noted that even when not in the starting XI, the intensity of practice sessions and the presence of a global audience can be valuable. “You’ve got hundreds of eyes on you – coaches, fellow players, fans with phones recording every move.
That pressure teaches you a lot about handling scrutiny and staying focused.” The young batter also highlighted the structured practice schedule that RCB has put in place. While acknowledging that net sessions are not a substitute for competitive matches, he believes they still provide essential development.
“We have practice matches when we’re not playing, and the whole squad is pulling together to win the trophy again. It’s a team effort, and even players like Jordan Cox are not left out on the sidelines.” Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, a significant sum for a player at this stage of his career.
Yet he insists that the monetary aspect is secondary to the growth opportunities the league presents. “When you’re in a setting where there are so many eyes on you, you learn to perform under pressure.
That’s important for my future with England.” Cook remains skeptical, however, pointing out that Bethell’s lack of regular match play could hinder his development as an opener for England. He praised Bethell’s performance in Sydney, saying, “The way he handled the attack in those conditions shows he could open the innings. If he can bat at three, he can open.” Yet Cook warned, “Ideally he should be back with Warwickshire, opening for them, to keep his batting sharp and to help England’s top order.” The debate over Bethell’s IPL future is part of a broader conversation about the balance between franchise cricket and international duties. England opener Ben Duckett recently turned down a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and protect his Test spot, illustrating how some players prioritize county cricket when national selection is at stake.
In contrast, Bethell appears committed to seeing his IPL stint through, at least for the time being. RCB currently sits comfortably in the IPL standings, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) already has an agreement in place regarding player availability. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of an abrupt recall for Bethell, even if his lack of game time continues to draw criticism.
Beyond the immediate controversy, Bethell’s career trajectory remains intriguing. After his unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground – a highlight in an otherwise disappointing 4‑1 Ashes defeat – Sir Alastair Cook labelled him “the future of England cricket.” That endorsement sparked speculation about whether Bethell should be promoted to open the innings, a move that could also open a place for Somerset’s wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew. When asked about the possibility of moving up the order, Bethell said, “I’d love to stay at three if it’s up to me. I really enjoy the position.
There isn’t a massive difference between three and the top. Joe Root had to start opening and then moved back down to number four, so if England want me to open, I’m happy to do it. But I prefer three and would love to cement that spot as mine.” He also addressed the criticism surrounding his lack of a first‑class hundred before his Sydney heroics. “There was a lot of talk about me not having a first‑class century, but I never paid much attention to it,” he explained.
“I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and that’s evident in my three international hundreds across ODIs and T20Is. Yes, there have been lean patches – I didn’t have the best English summer last year, and a few low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes left me a bit out of touch. But those ups and downs have taught me resilience and the importance of adapting on the road.” Bethell concluded on an optimistic note, stressing his hunger for further success. “Those standout moments are great, but they only make me want more.
I’m learning every day, and I believe the experience I’m gaining in India, even if I’m not in the starting XI, is exactly what I need right now.” As the English summer approaches, with a three‑Test series against New Zealand set to begin on June 4, all eyes will be on whether Bethell’s decision to stay in the IPL will pay dividends for his international career. The debate underscores a larger question for modern cricketers: how to balance the lucrative, high‑pressure world of franchise cricket with the traditional demands of county and national representation. Bethell’s answer, for now, is that the IPL is the right thing for him at this stage, and he intends to make the most of every training session, every practice match, and every glance from the thousands of fans watching his every move.