Jacob Bethell has pushed back against the criticism he’s been receiving for not featuring regularly 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. The 22‑year‑old’s recent record includes a crucial century in the final Test at Sydney in January, which provided a rare bright spot in England’s otherwise disastrous Ashes campaign, and an explosive 105‑run knock in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March. Those two innings remain his most recent competitive performances, as he has yet to break into the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side. So far Bethell has spent six IPL matches on the bench, watching his teammates take the field while head coach Andy Flower has opted for England colleagues Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood as the overseas slots.
This situation mirrors the previous season, when his involvement in the IPL delayed his participation at the start of the English domestic season and ultimately cost him a chance to overtake Ollie Pope in the England 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 rosters sit idle.
Bethell, however, offered a more nuanced perspective during a recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. He said there is no single "right" or "wrong" path for a young player in his position. Reflecting on the previous year, he explained that a brief period without competitive cricket left him under‑prepared for the final 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 recalled, "and I feel I’m in a similar place now. I’m feeling better than I was a month after the World Cup because I’ve been spending time with the guys here and the standard of cricket in India is incredibly high." He added that the atmosphere of the IPL is difficult to convey to outsiders: "It’s a completely different vibe. Even if you’re not in the starting XI, you can sense everyone raising their game subconsciously because of the tournament’s calibre. The impact‑player rule means you’re still part of the action, even if you’re not on the field." The situation is not unique to Bethell.
England opener Ben Duckett recently terminated a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects. Yet Bethell appears less inclined to abandon his IPL contract, which reportedly pays him around £250,000.
He argued that the pressure of training in India, with countless eyes watching from the stands and on social media, is valuable for his development. "You have hundreds of cameras, coaches, and fellow players all evaluating you," he said. "Even though I’m not getting as many match‑day innings as I would in the County Championship, the intensity of the practice sessions and the constant scrutiny help me grow." Bethell also highlighted the structured practice matches that the RCB side arranges when they are not playing, noting that while these are not the same as competitive games, they provide essential match‑like experience. He praised the collective effort of the squad to win the trophy again and mentioned that England’s Jordan Cox is also being kept involved rather than left idle on the sidelines.
Cook, speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, praised Bethell’s performance in Sydney, stating that his ability to handle a hostile attack in challenging conditions shows he could open the England innings. "If he can bat at three, he can open," Cook asserted, though he also warned that Bethell’s lack of regular cricket is a concern. Cook suggested that the most practical solution would be for Bethell to return to Warwickshire, open the county side, and thereby make himself available for England.
Bethell, for his part, remains confident that staying in the IPL is the right decision for his career at this stage. He emphasized that the exposure to high‑pressure environments, even in net sessions, is crucial for his long‑term growth. "There’s no single correct way to do this," he said.
"I firmly believe this is what I need to be doing right now." His unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground was one of the few highlights in England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat, and Cook lauded him as "the future of England cricket" after that innings, which came in only his sixth Test. The discussion about moving him up the order to open has also sparked talk of creating a place for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew in the side.
When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell replied, "I’d love to stay at three if it’s up to me. I really enjoy that role and don’t see a massive difference between three and opening. Players like Joe Root have moved between those spots successfully, so I’d be happy to adapt if the team needs me." He also addressed the criticism that he had not scored a first‑class hundred before his heroics in Sydney. "There was a lot of chatter about me not having a first‑class hundred, but I never let that distract me," Bethell said.
"I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and my three international hundreds reflect that. There have been lean periods, but those have taught me resilience." Bethell concluded by acknowledging the ups and downs of his career so far, noting that the varied experiences—from a tough English summer to low scores in New Zealand—have helped him mature. "It’s been great to have standout moments, but they only make me hungrier for more," he said. England’s home summer will kick off with a three‑Test series against New Zealand on June 4, and fans can follow the action on Sky Sports or stream it contract‑free via NOW.
Bethell’s future role—whether back at Warwickshire, opening for England, or continuing his IPL journey—remains a topic of lively debate, but his own words make clear that he believes the current path is the best for his development at this point.