Royal Challengers Bengaluru handed young English all-rounder Jacob Bethell a major opportunity in IPL 2026, bringing him in as a replacement for the injured Phil Salt. For Bethell, the move has become a defining phase of his early career, offering exposure to one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.

Opening the innings alongside Virat Kohli has been a particularly valuable learning experience. Jacob Bethell admitted that watching Kohli operate during chases has helped him understand the nuances of pacing an innings and staying composed under pressure. “When I got to RCB, I was curious about the experience,” Bethell said. 

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“Watching Virat, Rajat, and speaking to DK, I realised the game shifts here. It’s played at a high tempo; you have to be aggressive and brave. Watching Virat chase, you understand the art of batting and how to control a chase and stay not out. It’s about shifting gears based on the situation.”

The young Warwickshire player also credited his time in the RCB dressing room for reshaping his mindset. Sharing space with experienced players like Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik has helped him adopt a more fearless, adaptable approach to batting.

Beyond the field, Jacob Bethell spoke about the unique cricket culture in India. He highlighted how the sport is deeply embedded in everyday life, with young players having access to vast knowledge and resources from an early age. “People here love talking about cricket. It’s more hands-on, with more information shared. The passion and volume of cricket at a young age is incredible.”

Despite playing only limited matches so far, Bethell has already begun to gain attention, something he describes as both surprising and special.

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“The limelight is a funny thing; life is still the same, but when people want to watch you play, it’s a privilege. I don’t know how many people in India would be calling me Starboy. It’s pretty incredible.” For Jacob Bethell, IPL 2026 isn’t just about performances—it’s about growth, learning, and adapting to cricket at its highest intensity.