Kevin Pietersen has reignited his long-running feud with Sir Alastair Cook over the former England captain's criticism of Jacob Bethell's decision to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bethell, who has been an unused member of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was urged by Cook to return to Warwickshire for county cricket instead of "sitting on his a*** at the IPL not doing anything."
Pietersen's Defence of Bethell
Pietersen, who was exiled from the England setup during Cook's captaincy after the 2013-14 Ashes, argued that Cook's lack of IPL experience renders his opinion irrelevant. "Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL," Pietersen wrote on X. "What it's like to always be around the best players in the world. So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn't matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you're not playing, you're learning and will be a way better player."
Bethell's Breakout and IPL Experience
Bethell has enjoyed a breakout period over the past few months, establishing himself in England's top order across all formats after scoring centuries in the Ashes in Sydney and the T20 World Cup semi-final against India. Despite not batting or bowling for RCB in their first six matches—featuring only as a substitute fielder—Bethell, who is earning approximately £250,000 from his deal, defended his decision to remain at the IPL rather than play domestic cricket at Edgbaston.
"I firmly believe that this is the thing for me to be doing right now," Bethell told the Sky Cricket podcast. "I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup, just from getting time around the guys over here and the pure standard of cricket in India and the IPL. Every nets session, you've got hundreds of eyes on you, be it your coaches or the other players who are also looking at you, going, 'Is this guy good? Is he not?' You've got the people in the crowd with their phones on. You get exposed to a lot of stuff."
Future Prospects for Bethell
Bethell's 154 from number three in January at the end of England's miserable tour of Australia means he should be in the XI for the first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's in June. He has been linked with moving up to open, where he has batted in white-ball cricket, if England discard Zak Crawley, which could lead to Somerset's James Rew being selected in the middle order.
Bethell admitted he would prefer to stay at number three but would do whatever he is told, referencing Joe Root being moved to opener to accommodate a returning Pietersen ahead of the 2013 Ashes. "I'd love to stay at three, if it's up to me. I really like the position," Bethell added. "I don't think there's a massive difference between three and the top. Someone like Rooty had to start opening the batting and then kind of sit back down into No 4. So if that's what they want me to do, I'd be more than happy to do it. But, I like three and I'd love to cement that spot as mine if possible."
