England’s 21-year-old batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has made a strong statement following his return from the IPL 2025, not just with his bat but with the lessons he’s carried back. After a brief yet impactful stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Bethell immediately shone on national duty, smashing a blazing 82 off 53 balls in the first ODI against the West Indies. But beyond the runs, it’s the influence of Virat Kohli that’s shaping his evolution as a cricketer.
Despite playing just two matches for RCB, Bethell made a notable impression with 67 runs at a blistering strike rate of 171.79. More importantly, he got a chance to observe and learn from one of the modern greats — Kohli himself.
Reflecting on his IPL experience after his match-winning performance on Thursday, Bethell said, “I feel like I am a better player now than I was two months ago. Virat Kohli shared his experience — how he thinks through different situations while batting. I learned a lot from him.”
The opportunity to soak in advice from Kohli, someone known for his mental strength and consistency, is a huge gain for a youngster still finding his way at the top level. For Bethell, the IPL wasn’t just about minutes on the field — it was about growing in the game’s toughest environments, guided by the sport’s most intense competitors. The exposure has clearly had a fast-tracked impact on his game.
His transition back to international cricket was seamless. Slotted in at No. 6 in the first ODI at Birmingham, Bethell counterattacked with authority. His innings, laced with 8 fours and 5 sixes, helped propel England to a formidable 400/8. And he wasn’t done yet — with the ball, he claimed the wicket of Jewel Andrew, contributing to the West Indies’ collapse for just 162.
All I have to do is to ask him(virat ) he is always there for me https://t.co/lGdMiAn66w pic.twitter.com/ao2xHkVVDs
— Yashu🇿🇦 (@Lord_Yashu) May 29, 2025
England’s 238-run victory was one of dominance, and Jacob Bethell was front and center. His name was among the top contributors, showing that while his role at RCB was limited, the learning was immense. With the confidence of a game-changer and the guidance of someone like Kohli behind him, Bethell looks ready to be a long-term fixture in England’s white-ball setup.