Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the criticism surrounding his limited playing time in this season’s Indian Premier League, a debate that intensified after former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batter should consider returning to county cricket. Bethell’s recent career highlights include a century in the final Test at Sydney in January – a late‑stage flourish in an otherwise dismal Ashes tour for England – and a blistering 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March.
Those innings have cemented his reputation as a rising star, yet they also mark the last competitive knocks he has registered, as he has yet to break into the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. So far, Bethell has spent six IPL fixtures on the bench, watching his teammates from the sidelines while head coach Andy Flower has favoured other overseas options such as Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the fast‑bowler Josh Hazlewood.
The 22‑year‑old now finds himself in a familiar predicament to the one he faced last season, when an extended IPL stint curtailed his early‑season form in the English domestic circuit and delayed his overtaking of Ollie Pope in the England hierarchy – a delay that proved costly as the Ashes were already lost by the time he returned. Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to head back to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while the IPL offers him little match practice.
In a recent Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell responded with a measured view: "I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to do it. We saw last year that a period without cricket left me a little under‑cooked for the final India series, and that was a lesson I’ve taken on board." He went on to compare his current situation with the aftermath of his previous IPL spell, noting that after returning from India he felt "flying" into the West Indies series and that he now feels better than he did a month after the World Cup.
The young cricketer explained that the experience of being part of an IPL squad, even when not in the starting XI, offers a unique learning environment. "The standard of cricket in India and the IPL is extraordinary.
It’s something many people won’t understand until they are actually in the camp. The atmosphere pushes everyone to raise their game, often subconsciously, because of the calibre of the tournament," he said. Bethell added that the impact of being a non‑starter is still felt positively: "Even if you’re not in the playing twelve, you still absorb the intensity.
The impact‑player rule means you’re always on the cusp, ready to step in, and that keeps you sharp." The conversation about leaving the IPL early resurfaced after England opener Ben Duckett withdrew from a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects. However, Bethell appears less inclined to follow that path.
RCB are comfortably placed in the league standings, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) already have an agreement in place regarding player availability, reducing the pressure on Bethell to depart. Cook believes Bethell proved his ability to address England’s opening‑bat problems during the Sydney Test, where he performed admirably against a potent attack in challenging conditions. "If he can bat at three, he can open. I’m convinced he can handle the top order," Cook said on the Stick to Cricket podcast, though he warned that Bethell’s lack of regular match practice is not ideal.
"He’s sitting on his a*** at the IPL not doing anything. Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England," Cook added.
Financially, Bethell’s IPL contract is worth roughly £250,000, and he acknowledges that even training sessions in India carry significant pressure. "There are hundreds of eyes on you – coaches, teammates, fans with phones filming. You’re constantly being evaluated," he observed.
While he admits that practice matches cannot fully replace competitive games, he values the exposure: "Being under that scrutiny helps me develop mental resilience and refine my technique when the spotlight is on me." Bethell also highlighted the team‑first ethos within the RCB camp. "Even when we’re not playing, the whole squad works together to win the trophy again. Jordan Cox and others aren’t left to wonder what’s happening on the sidelines; we all pull together," he said. He concluded with conviction: "There is no single right way to manage my career.
I firmly believe staying in the IPL is the right thing for me at this moment." His unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground remains one of the few bright spots in England’s 4‑1 Ashes loss. Cook lauded Bethell as "the future of England cricket" after that innings, which came in only his sixth Test.
The performance sparked debate about whether he should be promoted to open the innings, potentially opening a slot for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew. When asked about the prospect of moving up the order, Bethell replied, "I’d love to stay at three if it’s up to me. I enjoy the role and don’t see a huge difference between three and the top.
Players like Joe Root have shifted between opening and number four, so I’d be happy to adapt if the team needs me. But I prefer number three and would love to make it my permanent spot." Despite not having a first‑class century before his Sydney heroics, Bethell remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. "There was a lot of talk about me not having a first‑class hundred, but I never let that distract me.
I thrive against quality opposition and love taking on the best bowlers," he said. He reflected on his journey, acknowledging both the highs and the lows: "I’ve had lean patches, like a poor English summer last year followed by a hundred, and then some low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes. It looks smooth from the outside, but the ups and downs have taught me a lot." Bethell emphasized that those standout moments only increase his hunger for more success. "Those big innings are great, but they make me want even more.
I’m eager to keep learning, improving, and contributing to England’s cause," he affirmed. 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.
Fans without a subscription can stream matches contract‑free via NOW. Bethell’s decision to remain in the IPL, despite the criticism, underscores his belief that the experience, exposure, and personal growth he gains in India are vital for his development and for the future of English cricket.