Jacob Bethell replies to Alastair Cook’s comment about leaving RCB, calls IPL ‘marquee tournament’

Was Jacob Bethell’s choice to remain on the bench at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, given the upcoming England vs New Zealand Test series, beneficial for his career development? The talented 22-year-old spent the first 6 matches with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the sidelines and only played after Phil Salt’s finger injury.

Cook’s comments

Former Alastair Cook wasn’t pleased with Bethell sitting out instead of playing in the County Championship for Warwickshire. At this time, Bethell could’ve prepared for the upcoming England vs New Zealand Test series, which will commence on June 4. “He’s sitting on his arse at the IPL, not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England,” Cook had said.

Bethell stands by decision

Bethell was finally asked about the former England captain’s comments on him potentially hampering his development while playing the IPL instead of the County Championship. Ahead of the RCB’s home match against the Mumbai Indians, Bethell explained why he believes that the IPL is the most important tournament of the year.

“This is the marquee tournament of the year, with some of the best cricketers in the world playing in it. I definitely don’t think it’s going to hurt my career or stop me from getting better. I think it’s going to do the opposite,” Bethell told reporters in Raipur. “Everyone’s allowed to have their opinions. That’s absolutely fine. Everyone thinks differently, but from a personal point of view, I think I’ve made the right decision. At the end of the day, I’m pretty happy with where I am,” he added.

Contrary to Cook’s comment, Bethell thinks his stint in the IPL will improve him as a cricketer. Last year, during the Ashes, the southpaw had stated that due to his experience of playing in front of huge crowds for the RCB, the pressure of big matches wasn’t affecting him. He stands by those comments and truly believes he’s doing himself good.

“The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion… Definitely, just knowing what I’m able to get out of myself when the situation is like that and when the atmosphere is like that. I definitely had a lot more confidence coming into this game after playing in front of, I don’t know, 50,000 – which felt like 100,000 – at the Chinnaswamy,” he had told ESPNcricinfo.

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