Jacob Bethell has publicly pushed back against the criticism surrounding his limited on‑field opportunities in the Indian Premier League, a debate that was sparked when former England captain Sir Alastair Cook suggested the young batter should consider returning to county cricket. Bethell, who burst onto the international scene with a century in the final Test at Sydney in January, has been hailed as a rising star after delivering a stunning 105‑run knock in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March. Despite these high‑profile performances, his recent competitive innings have been scarce, as he has not yet broken into the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side.
So far, Bethell has spent six IPL matches watching from the bench while head coach Andy Flower has favored fellow England players Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for the overseas slots. The 22‑year‑old finds himself in a familiar predicament: last season his IPL commitments curtailed his ability to make an early impact in the domestic campaign, which in turn delayed his progression past fellow England prospect Ollie Pope and meant he missed the chance to influence the Ashes series before England’s defeat was sealed. Cook has been blunt, urging Bethell to return to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while the IPL runs.
In a recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Bethell responded with a measured perspective, arguing that there is no single "right or wrong" path for a young player navigating the modern cricket landscape. He reflected on his own experience after the 2023 India tour, noting that a brief hiatus from competitive cricket left him feeling "undercooked" for the series finale, 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 said, "and I feel I’m in a similar spot now. I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup, simply because I’ve been training with the squad here and soaking up the high standard of cricket in India and the IPL." He went on to explain that the atmosphere within an IPL camp is unique.
Even when a player is not in the starting XI—or even the designated "impact player"—the intensity of the environment pushes everyone to elevate their game. "It’s something many people won’t understand until they’re actually surrounded by a team and a tournament of this calibre," he added. "Everyone seems to raise their level subconsciously, simply because of the quality of the competition." The situation mirrors that of England opener Ben Duckett, who recently terminated a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test place. By contrast, Bethell appears less inclined to abandon his IPL contract, which reportedly nets him around £250,000.
He acknowledges the pressure of training under the constant scrutiny of cameras, coaches and fans, but he also believes that this exposure is valuable for his development. "You have hundreds of eyes on you, whether it’s the coaches, teammates, or the crowd with their phones out," he said.
"That kind of visibility forces you to keep improving, even if you’re not getting match minutes." Bethell also highlighted the importance of the practice sessions that the RCB schedule when they are not playing. While these drills cannot fully replicate the intensity of a competitive match, they provide a platform for him to stay engaged and contribute to the squad’s collective goal of winning the trophy.
He mentioned that senior England player Jordan Cox is also involved in these sessions, ensuring that the fringe players are not left feeling isolated. Cook, speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, praised Bethell’s performance in Sydney, insisting that his technique against a hostile attack in challenging conditions proved he could handle opening duties for England. However, Cook also expressed frustration that Bethell’s lack of game time in the IPL could hinder his readiness for international duties. "He shouldn’t be sitting idle," Cook argued.
"Ideally he could return to Warwickshire, open the batting there, and keep the England pipeline healthy." Bethell’s own view of his role is clear: he prefers to bat at number three, a position he feels comfortable in and believes offers a balance between anchoring the innings and having the freedom to accelerate. He referenced the career trajectory of Joe Root, who moved from opening to the middle order before returning to open, as an example of flexibility. "If England want me to open, I’ll do it, but I love batting at three and would like to cement that spot," Bethell said.
When asked about the criticism regarding his lack of a first‑class century before his heroics in Sydney, Bethell shrugged it off. He emphasized that he thrives against top‑quality opposition and that his three international hundreds—across ODIs and T20Is—demonstrate his ability to perform on big stages. He admitted to experiencing ups and downs, citing a poor English summer followed by a century and then a series of low scores in New Zealand, but stressed that these fluctuations are part of a young player’s learning curve. Looking ahead, Bethell remains optimistic about his future with England.
He believes the experience of training in the IPL environment, despite limited match action, will ultimately benefit his game and prepare him for the rigours of international cricket. "There’s no single correct way to develop," he concluded. "I firmly believe this is the right thing for me to be doing right now, and I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity, whether it’s in a practice session or on the field." The broader context of England’s summer schedule adds further weight to the discussion.
Sky Sports will broadcast the home series against New Zealand starting 4 June, and the England selectors will be watching closely to see how Bethell’s IPL stint translates into performance when he returns to county cricket. While the IPL remains a lucrative and high‑profile platform, the debate over balancing franchise commitments with national responsibilities continues, and Bethell’s case serves as a focal point for that ongoing conversation.