"Alastair Cook has no idea": Kevin Pietersen strongly backs Jacob Bethell to warm bench for RCB

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen disagreed with Alastair Cook, who is unhappy with the young batter Jacob Bethell warming the bench for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026. Pietersen supported Bethell’s decision to stay with the defending champions despite limited game time in the IPL.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are enjoying a strong IPL 2026 campaign under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. The defending champions are in third place on the points table, having secured eight points with four wins from six matches so far. Meanwhile, Bethell is still awaiting his first chance of the ongoing season.

Alastair Cook Urges Jacob Bethell To Return Home Amid IPL 2026

Former England captain Alastair Cook recently expressed disappointment over Jacob Bethell being benched in IPL 2026. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Cook said that the young left-hander is wasting valuable time by sitting on the bench instead of playing for Warwickshire in county cricket.

“For that top order batting, the way he played at Sydney, against that attack, in those conditions…I've looked at a player there, and I'm certain this bloke can open. If he can bat three, he can open,” Alastair Cook said.

“(But) it's not ideal, is it? Bethell shouldn't really be it because he's not opening. He's sitting at the IPL not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England,” he added.

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Alastair Cook Has Absolutely No Idea - Kevin Pietersen Backs Jacob Bethell to Stay in India

Kevin Pietersen said that Alastair Cook misunderstands the value of being part of the Indian Premier League environment. He advised Jacob Bethell to stay in India and make the most of the learning experience, even if he is not part of the playing XI.

"Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. What's 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," Pietersen wrote.

Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. What's 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…

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 23, 2026

Many England players often prioritize international cricket over franchise leagues. Harry Brook is facing a two-year ban after a late withdrawal, and Ben Duckett could face similar action. However, Bethell chose to stay in the IPL, believing the experience would benefit his development.

Whenever He Tours India, It’s Easier for Him - Kevin Pietersen on Jacob Bethell’s IPL Experience

When a user questioned how not playing helps development, Pietersen explained that players still gain valuable experience by training with top professionals, observing elite players closely, and interacting with world-class coaches in a high-level environment.

"By practicing with the best players in the world. By watching very closely the best players in the world. By speaking to the best coaches in the world. By building life long friendships with the best players in the world. By acquainting himself with India so that whenever he tours India, it's easier for him. If you think playing a county game in Derby in April is better for his development, I can't help," Pietersen replied.

Bethell smashed a 45-ball century against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have preferred overseas players like Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazlewood. Notably, Bethell had played only two matches last season.

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