Jacob Bethell has publicly addressed the criticism surrounding his limited involvement in this year’s 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. Bethell, who made a spectacular 105‑run knock in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March and scored a crucial century in the final Test at Sydney in January, has found himself on the periphery of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) line‑up.
While his performances for England have earned him a reputation as a future star, his IPL campaign has so far consisted largely of watching from the bench. During the IPL, Bethell has been part of the squad for six matches but has not been selected in the playing XI. Head coach Andy Flower has preferred other overseas options – Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and fast‑bowler Josh Hazlewood – leaving Bethell on the sidelines. The 22‑year‑old’s situation mirrors the previous season, when his IPL commitments delayed his participation in the early part of England’s domestic season and ultimately prevented him from overtaking Ollie Pope in the national pecking order before the Ashes were lost.
Cook’s advice was blunt: he urged Bethell to return to Warwickshire and stop "sitting on his a***" while the IPL season drags on. In response, Bethell appeared on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast and offered a nuanced perspective.
He said there is no single "right or wrong" path for a player in his position, emphasizing that his time away from competitive matches last year taught him valuable lessons. "When I didn’t play for a while before the India series, I felt under‑cooked," he admitted, "and that was a learning experience." He went on to compare his current state with the period after his previous IPL stint, when he returned to England in high form for the West Indies series. "I feel better now than I did a month after the World Cup," Bethell explained, "thanks to the quality of cricket in India and the standards set by the tournament, even when I’m not in the starting XI." Bethell highlighted the intangible benefits of being in an environment where every player, whether in the playing XI or the reserve group, is constantly pushing the envelope.
"The tournament has a different feel – everyone seems to raise their game subconsciously because of the calibre of opposition," he said. He also noted that the new "impact player" rule, which allows teams to rotate players beyond the traditional eleven, means that even squad members who do not start can still influence the outcome. The situation is not without precedent. England opener Ben Duckett recently terminated his contract with the Delhi Capitals to re‑join Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects.
By contrast, Bethell’s IPL contract is reportedly worth around £250,000, and the RCB side sits comfortably in the league standings. Moreover, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) already has an agreement with the IPL regarding player availability, suggesting that a premature departure would be complicated. Cook remains convinced that Bethell possesses the technical ability to open England’s innings, especially after his composure against a hostile Australian attack in Sydney.
"If he can bat at number three, he can open," Cook asserted on the Stick to Cricket podcast, adding that the lack of regular match practice is far from ideal. He suggested that Bethell could return to Warwickshire, open the county side, and thereby strengthen England’s top order.
Bethell, however, defended his decision to stay in India. He described the pressure of training in front of “hundreds of eyes” – coaches, teammates, and fans with smartphones – as a unique developmental experience. "You’re constantly being evaluated, and that exposure helps you grow," he said.
While acknowledging that practice sessions cannot fully replace competitive matches, he stressed that the intensity of the IPL environment forces players to refine their skills under scrutiny. He also pointed out that the RCB squad has organized intra‑squad games and practice matches to keep everyone sharp.
"It’s not the same as a real game, but we’re getting valuable minutes together," Bethell explained, noting that the entire group is united in its aim to win another IPL trophy. He mentioned that England bowler Jordan Cox (referred to as "Coxsy") is also involved in these sessions, ensuring that no player feels isolated on the sidelines. Reflecting on his career highlights, Bethell recalled his unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a standout performance in a series where England ultimately lost 4‑1. Sir Alastair Cook praised that innings, calling Bethell "the future of England cricket" and suggesting he might be promoted to the opening slot, which could open a place for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew.
When asked about his preferred batting position, Bethell said he enjoys batting at number three and would like to cement that role. "I don’t see a massive difference between three and the top order," he said, referencing Joe Root’s own transition from opener to number four earlier in his career. He added that he would be happy to adapt if the team required him to open.
Bethell also addressed the criticism that he had not scored a first‑class century before his Sydney heroics. He dismissed the debate as a distraction, emphasizing that he thrives against high‑quality opposition. "I’ve always performed better against stronger teams, and my centuries in ODIs and T20Is prove that," he said.
He acknowledged that his form has fluctuated, citing a modest English summer followed by a low‑scoring stint in New Zealand before the Ashes, but he framed those periods as learning curves that have made him more resilient. In summary, Bethell believes his current path – staying with RCB, absorbing the high‑pressure environment, and continuing to train alongside world‑class players – is the best option for his development at this stage. He insists there is no single "right" approach, only a personal decision that aligns with his long‑term goals. As the IPL progresses, all eyes will remain on the young English talent to see whether his patience and dedication will translate into a more prominent role for England in the near future.