![Jacob Bethell hits back at Alastair Cook [Source: AP, AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776870893109_JacobBethellhitsbackatAlastairCook.jpg?type=hq)
Jacob Bethell hits back at Alastair Cook [Source: AP, AFP]
Jacob Bethell has hit back at former England captain Alastair Cook after the latter made controversial remarks regarding the all-rounder’s repeated IPL snub. It is worth noting that Bethell is yet to receive a single crack in the RCB playing XI in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
What’s even more surprising about Bethell’s repeated exclusion is the fact that the young England all-rounder struck a majestic 48-ball 105 against India in the semifinal of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup last month.
Jacob Bethell responds to former England captain for IPL remarks
While speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Jacob Bethell responded to Alastair Cook’s criticism about his lack of match time for the RCB franchise in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Bethell said “I don't think there's a right or wrong way to do it. I think we've seen last year, for me personally, that by not playing cricket for a little while, I came into the end of that India series a bit undercooked, which was a learning for me to take on board.”
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The youngster also claimed that his previous IPL stint for the RCB back in 2025 also helped him gain valuable experience, even though he played just two matches in the season. He added “If you look at where I was last year after coming back from the IPL, I was flying, going into that West Indies series and I feel in a similar position now.”
The 22-year-old further stated that taking part in an IPL season is a “completely different feel”, even if a player is not in the starting XI of his team.
He said “It's something that not many people will understand how cool it is until actually being around a team or the tournament itself when you're here. It just has a completely different feel. It feels like everyone almost ups their game subconsciously without even really knowing because of the calibre of the tournament. I feel like that even happens when you're not on the starting XI or even starting XII as it might be now with the impact player.”
What did Alastair Cook say about Jacob Bethell
Earlier, former England captain Alastair Cook urged Jacob Bethell to ditch IPL 2026 so that he can fly back to England and work on his Test game. The cricket expert claimed that Bethell should play County cricket for the Warwickshire club, since the youngster is already spending his time on the sidelines in the RCB dugout.
While speaking on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket podcast, Cook said “Bethell shouldn’t really be it because he’s not opening. He’s sitting on his arse at the IPL not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England.”
Why Jacob Bethell cannot leave IPL 2026
While Jacob Bethell seems hell bent on staying in India for IPL 2026, the tournament regulations indicate that the youngster cannot leave a season without any valid reason even if he intended to. If he leaves, he might face a ban of up to two IPL seasons by the BCCI.
His England teammate Ben Duckett also faced a similar ban for opting out of the IPL 2026 season despite getting roped in by the Delhi Capitals.
Bethell rates IPL above England cricket
Not long ago, the young English all-rounder also rated IPL above England cricket for a specific reason. The cricketer claimed that he has “definitely learned a lot” from the IPL in spite of not getting enough opportunities in the playing XI.
Bethell added that his focus is to take his IPL experience to England for future international matches.
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