Alastair Cook Questions Bethells IPL Role, Suggests England Return

Alastair Cook shared his opinion on Jacob Bethell's role in the IPL. He even suggested Bethell return to England and play in the County Championship for Warwickshire. But at the same time, Kevin Pietersen, another former English player, commented against Cook's statements.

Jacob Bethell has been a part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season but he has not played even a single game for the team. RCB is going with Phil Salt as their main opener, with Bethell standing in the dugout as the backup player. Looking at the same, former English player, Alastair Cook launched a sharp statement.

He said, “Bethell, he shouldn't really because he's not opening. He's sitting on his a$s in the IPL and not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England.” Cook continued to say more about Bethell, asking him to return to England and focus more on domestic cricket rather than the IPL.

Kevin Pietersen, another former English player, criticised the statement made by Alastair Cook. He openly said that Cook has not played the IPL even once, so he doesn't know what it is like to be surrounded by the best players around the world. His tweet has gone viral, as the fans claim that his response to Cook's statements has been a good one.

Our Take

Even though Jacob Bethell has not played a single game this season, he still adds great value to the team. RCB posted a few hours ago, where Jacob Bethell made a statement that he felt a lot better with the RCB in the IPL after having a hectic schedule in the T20 World Cup. Since Phil Salt is a primary opening choice for the team, it doesn't mean Bethell is not going through improvements.