Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a surprising choice during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction when they acquired 21-year-old English product Jacob Bethell for INR 2.6 crore.

However, it now looks like Bethell might struggle to find a place in the RCB playing XI after lackluster performances in the ongoing Big Bash League. Playing for the Melbourne Renegades, the young all-round batsman managed to score just 107 runs in six outings, with an average of less than 20 and a strike rate just above 100. With the ball, he has managed only one scalp.

With such average stats, the RCB management will also think twice before betting on Bethell and including him in the roster, especially with proven foreign contenders like Tim David available for selection.

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Jacob Bethell has impressed internationally

Bethell made his white-ball debut for England in September against Australia and has already shown his talent. In just seven T20Is, he has scored two half-centuries, amassing 173 runs at an impressive average of 57.66, establishing himself as a promising young player. In ODIs, Bethell managed 167 runs in eight games and also took four wickets with the ball.

He earned his Test cap for the Three Lions last month during the first Test between New Zealand and England in Christchurch. Bethell also made a solid start to his career as a red-ball player, scoring his first half-century and helping England secure a victory at Hagley Oval.

Soon after, the England Cricket Board (RCB) also upgraded his development contract to a central contract until September 2026.

As for his RCB move, Bethell’s IPL debut will eventually depend on his form and how the Bengaluru franchise wants to build their team, but he should definitely get a chance at some point in the tournament.

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