Predicted RCB Playing XI vs LSG: Why Jacob Bethell over Jordan Cox makes sense

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might’ve lost two of their last four matches, but there’s nothing to worry about. As far as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs qualification is concerned, RCB already has one foot in the door. Three of the next five games, including the upcoming Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) match, are against the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

However, some believe now might be the time to make a change. Phil Salt’s finger injury has forced RCB to bring Jacob Bethell. The 22-year-old played two matches for RCB last season and impressed. He also played one of the greatest knocks in T20 World Cup history against India in the 2026 semifinal. But Bethell hasn’t found the same touch in IPL 2026.

A case for Jordan Cox

His performance hasn’t been atrocious – 14 (10), 20 (11), and 5 (5). But he hasn’t matched what Salt was doing. With five games left, RCB has enough time to test someone else. One of the potential options to replace Bethell is his fellow England teammate Jordon Cox. The 25-year-old was the best batter in The Hundred last season, with 367 runs at 61 and a strike rate of 173.93.

He was named ‘player of the tournament’ as the Oval Invincibles (now MI London) claimed their third consecutive title. However, Cox batted at three. Whereas Bethell opens with Virat Kohli. The transition from three to opening isn’t tough, but RCB can push Devdutt Padikkal to open and then slot Cox at his best position.

RCB had acquired Jordan Cox, a wicketkeeper-batter, for INR 75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction | Image Credit: RCB/X

Why sticking with Jacob Bethell makes sense

But there’s an argument for Bethell to stay. Firstly, he’s an international star already. He’s the youngest Englishman to score a hundred across formats and has already proven that he belongs at the highest level. Yes, his form doesn’t seem great, but T20 works that way. It’s the ficklest format, and a couple of off days aren’t really a point of concern.

But the main reason why sticking with Bethell over Cox against LSG makes sense is that the match will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The surface is the slowest and trickiest in the IPL. It offers spin as well. RCB already has two spinners, Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, but having a part-timer like Bethell can’t hurt. He can bowl to Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Aiden Markram, and Himmat Singh. That’s why Bethell should remain in RCB’s team, at least for now.

Predicted RCB Playing XI vs LSG

S. No.PlayerRole

1	Virat Kohli	Opener
2	Jacob Bethell	Opener
3	Devdutt Padikkal	Top-order batter
4	Rajat Patidar (c)	Middle-order batter
5	Tim David	Middle-order batter
6	Jitesh Sharma (wk)	Wicketkeeper
7	Romario Shepherd	Batting all-rounder (pace)
8	Krunal Pandya	Bowling all-rounder (spin)
9	Bhuvneshwar Kumar	Right-arm fast bowler
10	Josh Hazlewood	Right-arm fast bowler
11	Rasikh Salam	Right-arm fast bowler
Impact Sub	Suyash Sharma	Leg spinner

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