Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made an intriguing prediction ahead of the IPL 2026 opener, backing England’s rising star Jacob Bethell to emerge as the “power player” for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bethell heads into the tournament with serious momentum, having recently smashed a sensational 105 against India in the T20 World Cup semi-final.

That innings not only showcased his fearless approach but also underlined his ability to deliver under pressure — a trait RCB will be eager to tap into this season. However, his exact role in the playing XI remains a talking point. Bethell featured only sporadically in IPL 2025, largely due to the presence of Phil Salt.

With RCB now looking to optimise their overseas combinations, how they utilise the young Englishman could prove crucial in the early stages of the tournament. Ravichandran Ashwin, meanwhile, also identified a potential match-winner from the SRH camp — Heinrich Klaasen.

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“I have a strange feeling for this match. In the last 18 months, this guy hasn’t done much. A strange feeling that Heinrich Klaasen is going to have a night to remember, I don’t know why,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. He further added, “From RCB’s side, I think Jacob Bethell will be the power player of the day.”

Klaasen’s record against RCB only strengthens that prediction. The South African has consistently troubled Bengaluru’s bowlers, scoring 234 runs in five matches at a remarkable strike rate of nearly 200. His aggressive intent and ability to dismantle spin make him a key asset in SRH’s middle order.

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From a tactical standpoint, Klaasen’s flexibility in the batting order adds further value. Whether deployed at No. 3 or as a finisher, his presence can significantly shift the momentum of a game — something SRH will count on in a high-stakes opener.