Former England captain Michael Vaughan has asked Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Jacob Bethel to return to the UK from IPL 2026.
Vaughan’s comments come after Bethel missed RCB’s defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Friday due to a finger injury. Vaughan said it is best for Bethel to return so he can be fit in time for England’s Test series against New Zealand next month.
The first Test of that series will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 4.
“If Jacob Bethel is injured, he should be back” – Michael Vaughn
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Vaughan said that Bethel should return to England, especially if he is injured, so that the England team management can assess his injury and decide whether to field him at Lord’s or not.
As things stand, Bethel is likely to bat at No. 3 for England in the match. If he is not available, either James Reeve or Joe Root Could have played on that slot in his place.
“If Jacob Bethell is injured, he should be on the next plane to England. England play a Test match on June 4, so making sure, you know, England potentially take a look at him first, to see if he’s fit for the Test match against New Zealand. I think he’s in a better position in Britain, just being assessed,” Vaughan said.
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“I’m a big believer in IPL” – Vaughan
Vaughan further said that although he is confident that IPL While he was helpful to young players like Jacob Bethel, he did not think the southpaw should stay in India, especially with the England training camp coming up.
Vaughan added, “I’m a bit old school, I think they’d say he has to stay till the end, but if he doesn’t play for Royal Challengers Bangalore, England’s got a training camp next week. He should come back home to the UK. You know I’m a big believer in the IPL. If you’re going to play, it elevates your game massively. And obviously, when you’re a young player in the dressing room with the lights on, I’m taking it for granted.” “Completely understand.”
“He’s learned a lot in the last year” – Vaughan
jacob bethel He was originally signed by RCB in IPL 2025 and played two matches in their title-winning campaign. He got more opportunities to play in 2026.
Most of his playing time has been taken up by injuries to Phil Salt both this year and last year. But Salt is now back in the RCB camp after suffering an injury last year and will probably be an immediate inclusion in the RCB playing eleven in the IPL playoffs.
Michael Vaughn talks about the experience he had at Bethel and says it was important for him to come back England team In such circumstances.
He said, “As a young player, he was here last year, so he learned a lot. This year, he has played a little bit, but he has not had much success. But if he is injured, there is a training camp in England this week. Baz McCullum will arrive in the UK on Sunday morning, and I think the training camp will start on Monday. He should come back to the UK with the team.”
Jacob Bethel in IPL 2026
As Vaughan pointed out, Jacob Bethel has not had any success in IPL 2026. Although RCB has been on top Mark sheetHe had to do this despite Bethel’s poor form.
In 7 matches this year, Bethel has scored only 96 runs at an average of 13.71 and strike rate of 124.67. His highest score has been just 27, and he has crossed 20 just twice.
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