Stay in India Bethell, Cook knows nothing of IPL: Pietersen fires at ex-teammate

Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook, both former England captains, are once again at odds, this time over Jacob Bethell’s decision to stay in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pietersen hit back strongly after Cook questioned the youngster’s choice to remain in India despite not getting game time.

The debate centres around Bethell’s stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he is yet to feature in IPL 2026. While Cook urged him to return to county cricket, Pietersen argued that the IPL environment offers unmatched learning, even from the sidelines.

Pietersen, who has long championed the value of franchise cricket, did not hold back in his response on social media.

“Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it’s like to be in the IPL,” Pietersen wrote on X.

“What it’s like to always be around the best players in the world. So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn’t matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you’re not playing, you’re learning and will be a way better player,” he added.

WHAT DID COOK SAY ON BETHELL?

Cook had raised concerns about Bethell’s lack of game time, suggesting that regular cricket in England would be more beneficial for his development. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, the former England captain questioned the value of staying in the IPL without playing.

“He should be back playing county cricket rather than sitting on his a*** at the IPL not doing anything,” Cook said.

HOW BETHELL DEFENDED HIS IPL STANCE

Bethell, however, has stood by his decision to remain with RCB, highlighting the benefits of being in the IPL environment. Speaking on the Sky Cricket podcast, the youngster explained how the experience has already helped him grow as a player.

“I feel better now than I was a month ago after the World Cup, through just getting time around the guys over here and the pure standard of cricket in India and the IPL. It's something that not many people will understand how cool it is until actually being around a team or the tournament itself when you're here,” Bethell said.

“It just has a completely different feel. It feels like everyone almost ups their game subconsciously without even really knowing because of the calibre of the tournament,” he added.

WHY HAS BETHELL NOT PLAYED IN IPL 2026 SO FAR?

Despite his rising reputation, Bethell has found it difficult to break into the RCB playing XI due to strong competition within the squad.

With overseas slots limited and players like Tim David and Romario Shepherd ahead in the pecking order, along with a settled Indian core, opportunities have been scarce.

Even so, Bethell’s recent performances for England, including a standout Ashes century and a strong T20 World Cup showing, have cemented his place as one of the country’s brightest young prospects. For now, while Cook stresses match time, Pietersen believes the IPL experience itself is shaping Bethell’s growth.

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