New Delhi [India], December 2: England’s rising star Jacob Bethell is thrilled about the prospect of playing alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and India legend Virat Kohli in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Bethell, who was acquired by RCB for Rs 2.6 crore at the recent IPL mega auction, was also pursued by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, but RCB emerged victorious in securing the 21-year-old. He will join his England teammates Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone at RCB, but it’s Virat Kohli he’s most eager to team up with.
“It’s a bit of a given, isn’t it? Virat! He’s a great of the game, so… King Kohli,” Bethell said with a smile, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The IPL has long been a stage for young players to gain valuable experience and elevate their game. Bethell is looking forward to doing just that. “Any overseas player that has gone over there has come back with a wealth of experience,” he added.
Bethell has also been in the spotlight recently for his performances in international cricket. In England’s opening Test against New Zealand, he replaced Ollie Pope at the number three position, with Pope moving down to number six and taking on the wicketkeeping duties. Bethell expressed his satisfaction at being given the opportunity to bat higher up the order, which he feels suits his style.
“I like batting up the order, so I was really happy that opportunity arose. I’ve always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect,” he said. “I think my game is fit to play any style. On Sunday, we saw a more attacking approach, but I can also absorb pressure, so I’m sure there will be times in my career where I’ll need to do that as well.”
In his Test debut for England, Bethell had a mixed outing. He struggled in the first innings, scoring just 10 from 34 balls, but came back strongly in the second innings, scoring an unbeaten 50 from 37 balls and helping England to an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand. Reflecting on his debut, Bethell said, “That’s part of the game. If I had got through to lunch, it looked like a different pitch after that. It helps when you’ve got Harry Brook batting – he makes it look easy. I battled hard in the first innings and, unluckily, didn’t make it through to lunch. But another day, you get through and go on to make a big one.”
With England leading the series 1-0, they will be aiming to secure a win in the second Test, set to begin on December 6 in Wellington.