Kevin Pietersen has reignited his long‑standing dispute with former England captain Sir Alastair Cook by challenging the latter’s criticism of Jacob Bethell’s involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The debate centers on Cook’s suggestion that the young all‑rounder should abandon his IPL stint and return to Warwickshire to play county cricket, rather than "sitting on his a***" in India while not featuring for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. Pietersen, who was effectively pushed out of the England set‑up after Cook took over the captaincy following the 2013‑14 Ashes, retorted that Cook’s lack of personal experience in the IPL makes his opinion irrelevant.
"Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it’s like to be in the IPL," Pietersen wrote on X, adding that the tournament places a player among the world’s elite cricketers day after day. "So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn’t matter at all.
Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you’re not playing, you’re learning and will be a much better player." He followed up with another post, noting that if county cricket were as strong as it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he might also want Bethell back in the English domestic circuit. "But it’s NOT! It’ll benefit England more by him being in India and he’s already shown that," Pietersen argued, suggesting that the exposure to high‑quality opposition in the IPL outweighs the benefits of county matches.
Bethell has enjoyed a breakout period over the past few months, cementing his place in England’s top order across Tests, ODIs and T20Is after a series of impressive innings, including a crucial hundred in the Ashes at Sydney and a vital contribution in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India. Despite not having played a single ball for RCB in the first six games of the tournament, he is being paid roughly £250,000 for his IPL contract. When asked about the criticism, Bethell defended his decision on the Sky Cricket podcast. "I firmly believe this is the right thing for me to be doing right now," he said.
"I feel better now than I did a month ago after the World Cup, just from spending time with the guys here and experiencing the pure standard of cricket in India and the IPL." He described the intensity of practice sessions, where dozens of eyes – coaches, fellow players and even fans with phones in the stands – watch every move. "Every nets session you have hundreds of eyes on you, asking ‘Is this guy good? Is he not?’ That exposure is invaluable." Bethell’s 154 from the number‑three position in January, at the tail end of England’s difficult tour of Australia, bolsters his case for inclusion in the first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.
There is speculation that he could be promoted to open the innings if England decide to drop Zak Crawley, which might open a slot for in‑form James Rew in the middle order. Speaking about his preferred batting position, Bethell said he would like to stay at number three but is willing to adapt to the team’s needs.
He referenced the way Joe Root moved from opening to the middle order to make way for a returning Pietersen during the 2013 Ashes. "I’d love to stay at three, if it’s up to me. I really like the position.
I don’t think there’s a massive difference between three and the top," he explained. "If the team wants me to open, I’ll be happy to do it, but I’d love to cement the three‑slot as my own." England opener Ben Duckett recently turned down a contract with the Delhi Capitals to re‑sign with Nottinghamshire and safeguard his Test prospects, but Bethell appears committed to seeing his IPL contract through.
RCB are comfortably placed in the league table, and an agreement already exists between the franchise and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding player availability. Cook, however, remains skeptical. While he praised Bethell’s performance in Sydney – noting that the youngster handled a formidable attack in challenging conditions – he worries about the lack of regular match play. On the Stick to Cricket podcast, Cook said, "For that top‑order batting, the way he played at Sydney, against that attack, in those conditions – I’m certain this bloke can open.
If he can bat three, he can open. But it’s not ideal.
Bethell shouldn’t really be it, because he’s not opening. He’s sitting on his a*** at the IPL not doing anything. Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England." Bethell countered that even the net sessions in India carry significant pressure. "You might not get the same amount of time in the middle as you do in the County Championship, but the constant scrutiny, the eyes on you, is crucial for my development," he said.
He added that practice matches scheduled around the tournament give him valuable game‑like experience, even if they are not full‑scale competitive fixtures. "The whole squad is pulling together to win the trophy again, and players like Jordan Cox are not left idle on the sidelines." His unbeaten 142 at the Sydney Cricket Ground was one of the few bright spots in England’s 4‑1 Ashes defeat, earning him the label of "future of England cricket" from Cook himself after just his sixth Test. The performance has sparked discussions about moving him up the order, which could also create a place for Somerset wicket‑keeper‑batter James Rew.
Bethell reflected on his journey, acknowledging the criticism surrounding his lack of a first‑class century before his Sydney heroics. "There was a lot of talk about not having a first‑class hundred, but I never paid much attention to it. I’ve always performed better against stronger opposition, and that’s evident in my scores against top teams and quality bowlers," he said.
He pointed to his maiden centuries in both ODIs and T20Is as evidence of his growth, while also admitting to periods of poor form. "I didn’t have the greatest English summer last year, then topped it off with a hundred, and then some low scores in New Zealand before the Ashes.
It’s been a roller‑coaster, but those ups and downs have taught me a lot," he explained. Looking ahead, Bethell is eager for more opportunities. "It’s great to have standout moments, but they only make me hungrier for more. I want to keep learning, keep improving, and help England win," he concluded.
England’s home summer begins on June 4 with a three‑Test series against New Zealand, broadcast live on Sky Sports. Those without a Sky subscription can stream the matches contract‑free on NOW.