Jacob Bethell has publicly pushed back against the criticism he has been receiving for the limited playing time he has seen in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook has been vocal in urging the 22‑year‑old to consider abandoning his IPL commitments and returning to county cricket with Warwickshire, rather than "sitting on his a***" while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side has kept him on the bench. Bethell’s response, given on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, offers a nuanced view of his current situation and his broader development as an international cricketer.
Bethell’s recent record for England includes a century in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January, a performance that helped to soften the blow of an otherwise disastrous Ashes series for England. That innings, combined with a dazzling 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March, cemented his reputation as a rising star capable of delivering under pressure.
However, those two innings remain his only competitive knocks of the season, as he has not yet broken into the playing XI for RCB. To date, Bethell has featured in six IPL matches, but all of those appearances have been as a non‑playing squad member.
Head coach Andy Flower has consistently preferred other overseas options—Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and the fast‑bowling all‑rounder Josh Hazlewood—leaving Bethell on the sidelines. This mirrors the predicament he faced last season when his IPL involvement delayed his participation in the early stages of England’s domestic campaign, ultimately costing him a chance to overtake Ollie Pope in the national pecking order before the Ashes were already lost.
Cook’s argument is straightforward: Bethell should drop his IPL contract and re‑engage with county cricket, where he could get regular match practice and contribute directly to England’s future batting line‑up. Cook told the Stick to Cricket podcast that Bethell’s performance in Sydney demonstrated he could handle top‑order responsibilities, even against a hostile attack in challenging conditions. "If he can bat at three, he can open," Cook said, adding that the current situation is far from ideal because Bethell is not playing regular competitive cricket. Bethell, however, offered a different perspective.
He emphasized 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 period without match practice left him feeling "undercooked" for the final stages of that series. By contrast, his return from the IPL the previous year saw him in excellent form heading into the West Indies series.
"I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup," he said, crediting the high‑quality training environment in India and the overall standard of the IPL. Bethell also highlighted the intangible benefits of being part of a tournament like the IPL, even when not in the starting XI. He described the atmosphere as "cool" and "different," noting that the calibre of the competition pushes every participant to raise their game subconsciously. He believes that the exposure to elite coaching, intense practice sessions, and the constant scrutiny of fans and media provides valuable learning opportunities that cannot be replicated in county cricket alone.
The financial aspect of Bethell’s IPL contract is also noteworthy. He earns roughly £250,000 from his deal with RCB, a sum that reflects the market value placed on his potential. Yet he acknowledges that the pressure extends beyond the paycheck.
"You have hundreds of eyes on you, whether it’s coaches, teammates, or fans with phones in the stands," he explained. "Even net sessions become high‑stakes moments because everyone is watching and evaluating you." Bethell admitted that practice matches and training drills are not a perfect substitute for real game time, but he sees them as essential for maintaining his skill set and mental sharpness. He praised the collective effort of the RCB squad, stating that the team works together to win the trophy and that younger players like England’s Jordan Cox are not left to wonder about their role on the sidelines.
"In short, I think there’s no right way. I firmly believe this is the thing for me to be doing right now," he concluded.
The broader context includes other England players making different choices. Ben Duckett recently withdrew from a contract with the Delhi Capitals to return to Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects. While Duckett’s move suggests a willingness to prioritise national selection over IPL fame, Bethell appears less inclined to abandon his Indian venture prematurely, especially given RCB’s strong position in the league table and the existing agreement between the IPL franchise and the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding player availability.
Cook remains concerned about Bethell’s lack of match practice, fearing it could hinder his development as a potential opener for England. He noted that Zak Crawley’s future at number three appears uncertain, and Bethell could be the natural successor.
However, Cook also warned that without regular innings, Bethell’s growth may stall, and a return to county cricket could provide the consistency needed to cement his place in the England top order. Beyond the immediate debate, Bethell’s own words reveal a mature understanding of his career trajectory. He expressed a desire to continue batting at number three, a position he feels comfortable in, yet he remains open to opening if the team requires it.
He draws parallels with Joe Root, who transitioned from opening to the middle order early in his career, and says he would gladly adapt if asked. In summary, Jacob Bethell’s stance on remaining with the IPL reflects a blend of personal ambition, learning opportunities, and financial considerations. While critics like Sir Alastair Cook argue that returning to county cricket would be more beneficial for England’s long‑term plans, Bethell believes that the high‑pressure environment of the IPL, even from the bench, offers unique developmental benefits. His statements suggest that he will continue to weigh the pros and cons of each pathway, but for now, he feels the IPL experience aligns with his current goals and growth as a cricketer.