England’s Jacob Bethell is being touted as the next big thing. A left-handed batter who can also bowl handy left-arm spin, Bethell has made his debut for England in all formats in less than a year.
Bethell got a massive break when he was roped in by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) auction. For a youngster who grew up watching the IPL from afar, it was a chance to experience the elite level of franchise cricket up close.
But more than the matchday experience, what seems to have left a lasting impression on him was the opportunity to observe and interact with Virat Kohli, an Indian legend and also an RCB stalwart.
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Jacob Bethell Credits Virat Kohli’s 'Unbelievable' Support During RCB Stint
As Phil Salt missed a few matches for RCB in IPL 2025, Jacob Bethell received a chance to don the Bengaluru jersey. In two innings, he scored 67 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike-rate of 171.79. This includes a half-century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The 21-year-old had to return to England for the white-ball series against the West Indies. Although he was not available for the playoffs, RCB lifted their maiden title after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
Bethell, now preparing for a packed summer, opened up about his experience in India, and how the stint with RCB has contributed to his development as a cricketer.
He recalled how Kohli’s presence shaped his IPL experience.
"It’s been great. [Virat] was unbelievable with helping me out, and even just the things he didn’t say to me personally, but just watching how he goes about training and how he approaches things," Bethell said as quoted to Sky Cricket.
As the youngster opened with Kohli twice during the season, he found immense value in just being a silent observer, watching the chasemaster bat from the other end. The biggest takeaway? Kohli’s unmatched ability to pace a T20 innings when chasing under pressure.
"Especially like chasing in a T20 game. That was unbelievable to watch and unbelievable to see first hand, just how easily he is able to shift up and down the gears and is able to template an innings depending on what is needed," he added.
The admiration is understandable. Kohli has long been regarded as one of the finest chasers in limited-overs cricket with a calculator in his mind. For Bethell, who is just beginning to find his feet at the international level, watching such mastery unfold from close quarters will go a long way in helping him emulate the same.
Jacob Bethell’s Rise to International Cricket
Bethell first made headlines during the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup with his fearless strokeplay. Since then, he has steadily climbed the ladder in England, and now represents The Three Lions in all formats.
In the Test series against New Zealand in December 2024, he scored a 96-run knock. After his recent IPL stint, he returned to play for England and smashed 82 runs off 53 balls in the first ODI of the series versus the West Indies.
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