Jacob Bethell Rates England Cricket Below IPL

Jacob Bethell [Source: AFP]

Jacob Bethell seems to be enjoying his time in India as part of the RCB franchise for the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Having made his IPL debut back in 2025 last year, the young English batter seemingly made the most of his Indian experience for the England national team in the recently-concluded 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

While Bethell is yet to receive a single crack in the playing XI so far in the ongoing season, the cricketer still appears to be learning some new lessons along the way, as per his own admission. Quite recently, the 22-year-old even placed India’s T20 competition as his preferred platform for playing cricket over England’s prestigious annual County season.

Jacob Bethell rates IPL above England cricket for THIS reason

Prior to RCB’s third match of the IPL 2026 season, against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, Jacob Bethell was asked if he prefers to play England domestic cricket or IPL matches in India. Without hesitation, the aspiring young all-rounder claimed that he enjoys playing IPL, describing it a learning experience for him.

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Bethell admitted that he has “definitely learned a lot” even in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, despite not making it to the RCB playing XI yet. The 22-year-old added that he still has one eye on England’s upcoming domestic season.

Jacob Bethell said “I'm definitely happy being here. Look back at last year in the experience and the knowledge I gained from being over here and being a part of this competition. Based on the 3 weeks I've had so far, I've definitely learned a lot. I've got one eye on the English season obviously but trying to get better as much as possible before I get back there.”

Bethell primed for IPL 2026 debut after World Cup heroics

Back in late-2025, Jacob Bethell became one of the 17 cricketers to be retained by the RCB franchise alongside veteran Virat Kohli and legendary fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. While the hard-hitting middle-order batter played just two matches in IPL 2025 last year, the youngster seems to have gained enough experience going into the recently-concluded 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

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In the high-stakes semifinal against hosts India last month, the hard-hitting left-hander bludgeoned 105 runs off just 48 balls with eight boundaries and seven huge sixes at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Even though Bethell failed to steer England into the finals, the youngster earned significant praise from the entire cricketing fraternity for his fighting effort.

RCB remain unbeaten in IPL 2026 title-defense

The RCB franchise started off the IPL 2026 season with two convincing wins in two matches, and is currently placed number three on the 10-team points table. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the defending champions are now taking on Rajasthan Royals in match number 16 of the tournament at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

However, the toss has been delayed owing to ceaseless rains at the venue.

Follow RR vs RCB Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash