Jacob Bethell chooses IPL over Zimbabwe Test, then scores Ashes century

Jacob Bethell's decision to play in the IPL instead of a Test match has been debated. However, his recent century in the Ashes shows his strong performance.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Player Decisions |

Jacob Bethell has defended his decision to prioritize the Indian Premier League (IPL) over a Test call-up against Zimbabwe, asserting it was the "right thing for me right now." His choice, which saw him miss a Test match in May 2025 while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been met with a mixed reception. However, Bethell's recent performance, including a maiden Test century in the Ashes finale on January 8, 2026, appears to have solidified his claim to the crucial No. 3 batting position for England.

Bethell, who has expressed a desire to bat in the top order throughout his career, believes his IPL stint has been instrumental in his development. He highlighted the pressure of IPL games as an unparalleled learning experience, something that cannot be replicated in net practice. He also mentioned the opportunity to bat alongside and learn from high-calibre players like Virat Kohli during his time in India.

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This approach marks a departure from traditional cricketing priorities, where international duty often takes precedence. A decade ago, such a decision might have caused significant controversy. However, Bethell's selection for the final Ashes Test in Sydney on January 3, 2026, batting at No. 3, suggests a shifting perspective within the England setup. He returned to the Test side for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, a match England won decisively.

'The right thing for me right now' - Bethell responds to IPL stint criticism - 1

While Bethell was in India, Ollie Pope seized the opportunity, scoring 171 against Zimbabwe and staking his claim for the No. 3 position. This created a direct competition for the batting slot leading into the series against India. Bethell's recent century, however, seems to have settled the matter for the foreseeable future.

There has been commentary from former players regarding Bethell's commitment. Michael Atherton suggested Bethell was in a "hiding to nothing" by batting at No. 3 in Melbourne, particularly given his limited recent red-ball cricket. Yet, Bethell himself seems unburdened by such criticism, emphasizing the practical benefits derived from his time in the IPL.

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IPL's Influence and Player Development

The IPL has increasingly become a crucible for player development, offering exposure to intense competition and elite cricketers. Players like Kevin Pietersen have previously credited the league with "saving their career" by providing opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals and hone their skills under pressure. Bethell's experience with RCB, where he has been a retained player and his place in the starting XI is a topic of discussion, appears to be following a similar trajectory.

'The right thing for me right now' - Bethell responds to IPL stint criticism - 2

Bethell, despite being only 21 years old, has been described as remarkably calm, professional, and driven. His performances in the IPL have garnered attention, with predictions of him featuring more regularly for RCB in the coming years. This highlights the league's role in fast-tracking talent and influencing player pathways, even for centrally contracted national players.

Background: A Shifting Landscape

The debate surrounding Bethell's IPL commitment underscores a broader shift in the cricketing landscape. The increasing commercialization and global reach of T20 leagues like the IPL present players with complex choices between traditional Test cricket and lucrative, high-profile franchise tournaments. The willingness of national boards to accommodate such choices, as seemingly indicated by Bethell's continued inclusion in the Test squad, reflects the evolving realities of professional cricket.

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Bethell's journey to the No. 3 Test spot has been somewhat unconventional. He made only one County Championship appearance for Warwickshire in the preceding season before being recalled to the Test team for the final fixture of the home summer against India. This further illustrates the convergence of domestic, franchise, and international cricket in shaping a player's career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Jacob Bethell choose the Indian Premier League over a Test match in May 2025?
Jacob Bethell said playing in the IPL was the 'right thing for me right now' because he wanted to learn from top players and handle pressure. He missed a Test against Zimbabwe to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Q: How did Jacob Bethell perform after choosing the IPL?
Bethell played in the Ashes finale on January 8, 2026, and scored his first Test century. He had previously returned to the Test team for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Q: Has Bethell's choice affected his place in the England team?
Yes, his choice was debated, especially as Ollie Pope also performed well. However, Bethell's recent century seems to have secured his position batting at number 3 for England.
Q: What is the wider impact of Bethell's decision on cricket?
Bethell's choice shows a change in cricket, where T20 leagues like the IPL are becoming more important for player development. National teams might be more accepting of players choosing franchise leagues.