Jacob Bethell opens up on learning run-chasing from Virat Kohli at RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Jacob Bethell shared his experience of interacting with Virat Kohli during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Bethell revealed details about their conversations on building proper run chases rather than focusing only on modern power-hitting techniques.

Bethell entered the Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing XI after opener Phil Salt suffered a finger injury. The left-handed batter is yet to make a strong impact with the bat. While opening with Virat Kohli, Bethell has scored 39 runs in three matches at an average of 13.00 and a strike rate of 150, with a best score of 20.

Key Points

• Jacob Bethell shared advice received from Virat Kohli
• Kohli stressed the importance of proper run-chasing
• Bethell learning from RCB senior players
  

I Remember A Conversation With Virat Kohli - Jacob Bethell

In a video shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Jacob Bethell said that Virat Kohli advised him to maintain the art of batting rather than rely only on power hitting. He added that watching Kohli pace a run chase showed how important it is to shift gears based on the situation.

"I remember a conversation with Virat about not losing the art of batting. Many players focus on power hitting and specific areas, but the real skill is in chasing properly. Watching Virat chase 180 comfortably and stay not out shows that art. It’s not just technical, it’s about shifting gears based on the situation. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned from him."

𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿. ⭐❤️

Spending 5️⃣ years at a boarding school, being called up to play for the Three Lions, being noticed by Andy Flower at the U19 World Cup, learning from Captain Rajat and Virat - who are the best in… pic.twitter.com/ZjnpecSPYN

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 4, 2026

Virat Kohli is currently the leading run-scorer for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in this IPL season. The former India captain has scored 379 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.14 and strike rate of 166.50, including three half-centuries.

My Game Against Spin Has Improved A Lot - Jacob Bethell Credits Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Dinesh Karthik

Jacob Bethell credited his experienced teammates and the coaching staff for improving his game against spin. He said that watching the footwork of Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, along with discussions with batting mentor Dinesh Karthik, helped him take braver options in matches.

"I think my game against spin has improved a lot by watching Virat and others here, like Rajat, the skipper, and by speaking to DK. Your game has to adapt here because it’s played at a fast tempo. You need to take aggressive options, and it pushes you to be braver."

I Don’t Really Look At What’s Going On On Social Media - Jacob Bethell

The young batter said that he did not feel any pressure from social media expectations around his IPL debut. Bethell added that he focused on enjoying training and discussing tactics and sharing ideas with Indian players in the dressing room.

"I don’t really look at what’s going on on social media, so I didn’t know about any hype. I was just enjoying training. People here love talking about cricket. It happens in England too, but it feels different. Here, it’s more hands-on and there’s more sharing of ideas."

RCB have won six of their nine matches and remain strong contenders for the playoffs. Teams usually need around 16 points to secure qualification. They will next face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who are at the bottom of the table, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday, May 7.

FAQ

• What advice did Virat Kohli give Jacob Bethell?
  He advised him to focus on the art of batting and pacing chases.
• What has Bethell learned at RCB?
  He has improved his understanding of chasing and playing spin.
• Has Bethell performed well in IPL 2026?
  He is yet to make a major impact so far.
• Also read: Will Babar Azam step away from any format? Pakistan star gives clear answer after PSL 2026