Former England captain Kevin Pietersen disagrees with Alastair Cook, who is unhappy with young batsman Jacob Bethel being benched for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2026. Pietersen supported Bethel’s decision to remain with the defending champions despite limited playing time in the IPL.
Royal Challengers Bangalore are enjoying a strong IPL 2026 campaign under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. The defending champions are placed third on the points table, having secured eight points with four wins from six matches so far. Meanwhile, Bethel is still waiting for his first opportunity of the current season.
Alastair Cook urges Jacob Bethel to return home amid IPL 2026
Former England captain alistair cook Recently, Jacob Bethel was disappointed at being benched in IPL 2026. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Cook said that the young left-hander is wasting his valuable time sitting on the bench instead of playing for Warwickshire in county cricket.
Alastair Cook said, “For that top-order batting, the way they played in Sydney, against that attack, in those conditions… I’ve seen a player there, and I’m sure this guy can open. If he can bat three, he can open.”
“(But) that’s not ideal, isn’t it? Bethel really shouldn’t be doing that because he’s not opening. He’s sitting in the IPL and not doing anything. Ideally, he can come back and open for Warwickshire to help England,” he said.
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Alastair Cook has absolutely no idea – Kevin Pietersen backs Jacob Bethel to stay in India
Kevin Pietersen says Alastair Cook misunderstands the importance of being part of it Indian Premier League Environment he advised jacob bethel Staying in India and making the most of the learning experience, even if he is not part of the playing XI.
Pietersen wrote, “Alastair Cook has absolutely no idea what it’s like to be in the IPL. What it’s like to be around the best players in the world all the time. So his opinion on Jacob Bethel doesn’t matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you’re not playing, you’re learning and will become a better player.”
Alastair Cook has no idea what happens in IPL. What’s it like to always be around the best players in the world?
Therefore his opinion on Jacob Bethel does not matter.
Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even if you’re not playing, you’re learning and…– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) 23 April 2026
Many England players often prefer international cricket over franchise leagues. Harry Brook is facing a two-year ban after a late return, and Ben Duckett could face similar action. However, Bethel decided to remain in the IPL, believing that the experience would benefit his development.
Whenever he tours India, it’s easier for him – Kevin Pietersen on Jacob Bethel’s IPL experience
When a user questioned how not playing helps development, Peterson explained that players still gain valuable experience from training with top professionals, watching elite players up close, and interacting with world-class coaches in high-level environments.
“By practicing with the best players in the world. By seeing the best players in the world very closely. By talking to the best coaches in the world. By making lifelong friendships with the best players in the world. By familiarizing himself with India so that whenever he Visit India, it is easy for them. If you think playing a county game in the derby in April is better for his development, I can’t help it.Peterson replied.
Bethel scored a century in 45 balls against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final. However, Royal Challengers Bangalore have preferred overseas players like Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Josh Hazlewood. It is noteworthy that Bethel played only two matches in the last season.
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