The conversation focused on Bethell’s IPL 2026 season, where he started by sitting on the bench for several matches before making his appearance for RCB. Earlier this year, former England skippers Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan encouraged Bethell to return to England instead of staying in India, stressing the importance of preparing for England’s Test series against New Zealand.
In a podcast revisiting the topic, Cook reiterated his previous viewpoint, asserting that there was little to gain from Bethell sitting on the bench when the national team could benefit from his skills.
Conversely, RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik firmly opposed this view, emphasizing that Bethell had a contractual obligation to stay with the team, regardless of his selection status.
“You say he was sitting there warming the bench. He has a contract in place with RCB, which he has decided to be part of. How do you dishonour the contract which he has chosen to be part of?” Karthik remarked on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
The former India wicketkeeper-batter contended that allowing players to leave a tournament mid-way simply due to lack of selection would compromise commitments to the franchise.
“If every player decided to do that, ‘If you drop me, I am going back home’, then we’d only have 11 players in our environment. If you want to make that decision, do it before you enter the auction. Once you have committed to the franchise, you can’t leave just because you’re not playing,” he stated.
RCB Director of Cricket Operations Mo Bobat also supported Bethell’s choice to stay with the franchise, highlighting the benefits of training and being in the same dressing room as some of the best players globally.
However, Cook remained skeptical, arguing that the interests of England should always take precedence over franchise cricket.
“Then he came back and did not score any runs in the first two Tests,” Cook replied.
The former England captain emphasized that preparing for international play is far more crucial than being a reserve player for an IPL team.
“I am here for the Test match in a week’s time, and one of our No. 3 players is sitting on the bench. I believe it’s vital that English cricket is prioritized above the IPL or a franchise. That’s my perspective,” Cook asserted.
Cook also questioned whether another season largely spent on the sidelines would contribute positively to Bethell’s development.
“Jacob Bethell sat on the bench the year before and learned from all those players. Now he’s on the bench again and not playing. I want England to be the most successful side; no disrespect to RCB or any franchise, but England comes first,” he concluded.
