Jacob Bethell’s recent exploits on the cricket field suggest the young Englishman has put his time in the IPL to good use. The 21-year-old showcased his growing skills by scoring a blistering 82 off 53 balls, which significantly contributed to England’s commanding 238-run victory over the West Indies in the first ODI.
Reflecting on his IPL experience, Bethell remarked on the thrill of sharing the pitch with the legendary Virat Kohli while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. “He’s definitely got that… whatever they say nowadays… ‘aura’,” said Bethell, searching for the right word to describe Kohli’s magnetic presence. It was not mere name-dropping; Bethell’s respect for Kohli was evident, stemming from a unique opportunity to learn alongside him.
Despite spending much of the IPL season on the bench at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bethell managed a fine half-century in one of his two outings. His contributions helped RCB reach their fourth IPL final. The nomadic lifestyle of professional cricket, including hotel-hopping, has its challenges. “The only thing I struggle with is the beds,” Bethell jested, alluding to discomfort with overly soft hotel mattresses.
Nevertheless, Bethell showed no signs of wear, hitting boundaries with ease and flair. In his standout ODI performance, he struck five sixes, matching other top-order contributions. “I feel like I’m a better player now than I was a couple of months ago,” Bethell stated, praising the high-quality practice facilities and opposition at the IPL.
Bethell’s successful knock against the West Indies highlights his deepened understanding, particularly against spin, a traditional weakness for England’s 50-over side. While Gudakesh Motie largely survived the English attack unscathed, Bethell managed to hit the sole boundary off the left-arm spinner. Reflecting on his growth, Bethell said, “It’s just the way those batters go about playing spin, they’re clinical in how they pick length and the deliveries they try to hit for four and six.”
His time at the IPL, with interactions alongside players like Kohli, has clearly enriched Bethell’s game. The balance he’s now achieving between power hitting and strategic play speaks volumes about his potential to become a mainstay in England’s cricket future.
