Kevin Pietersen takes fresh aim at Alastair Cook, brings Jos Buttler into Jacob Bethell controversy

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen recently teased Alastair Cook over Jacob Bethell’s stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 season. Pietersen mocked Cook after he suggested that Bethell should leave the Indian Premier League mid-season to play county cricket ahead of the English summer.

Cook sparked a major debate by suggesting that Bethell should return to county cricket instead of staying on the bench for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, England stars like Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad supported Bethell and backed his decision to stay committed to the franchise in the ongoing T20 tournament.

It’s Very Difficult to Say That’s the Best Place to Be - Jos Buttler on Jacob Bethell

Jos Buttler said that critics who have not experienced the IPL do not fully understand its value for player development. Royal Challengers Bengaluru initially kept Jacob Bethell on the bench for six matches before using him as an impact substitute in the last three games, replacing the injured Phil Salt.

“I think unless you’ve played in the IPL and been here and experienced it, it’s very difficult to say that’s the best place to be,” Buttler said on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast hosted by Stuart Broad.

“I think that old school way of thinking would be, you’re not playing there, get back and play cricket. But also, you’ve put your name in the auction last year. You’ve signed a contract that you’re going to be here, and you’ve got to honour that contract as well,” Buttler added.

Also Read: RR vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- IPL 2026, Match 43

That’s The Position of the Modern Game - Jos Buttler on Jacob Bethell

Jos Buttler further supported the young batter, explaining that priorities in modern cricket have shifted beyond only playing domestic matches in England.

“I think it’s quite simple, to be honest. Times have changed, and that’s the position of the modern game, and he’s a brilliant player. He’ll be hitting loads of balls, and I’m sure we’ll see him score loads and loads of runs when he gets back to England,” Buttler added.

Stuart Broad echoed the views of Buttler and Kevin Pietersen. He said that Jacob Bethell already has a secure place in the England setup, so returning to county cricket is not necessary at this stage of his career.

“And ultimately, from his point of view, he is in the England team. His last Test match innings, or Test match, he got a hundred in Sydney. He’s not going to get in the RCB team by not being there,” Broad said.

Oops, This Is Awkward, Alastair Cook! - Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen reacted to the ongoing debate by backing Jos Buttler’s stance on Jacob Bethell. He took a light dig at Alastair Cook, who had earlier suggested a return to county cricket, on social media.

Pietersen posted on X, “Oops, this is awkward, Alastair! Jos is 100% right!”

Oops, this is awkward, Alastair!
Jos is 100% right! https://t.co/H0XRz20EB4

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 1, 2026

Bethell has scored a total of 39 runs in three matches at an average of 13.00 and a strike rate of 150. After an injury to teammate Phil Salt, Bethell got a place in the playing XI.

In his most recent outing against Gujarat Titans (GT), Bethell scored 5 runs in a match where Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost by four wickets. The left-hander hit one boundary but was dismissed on his fifth ball.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah labelled ‘ordinary’ by ex-BCCI selector, told to learn from Jofra Archer