Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Jacob Bethell has opened up on what it feels like to bat alongside Virat Kohli, after recent matches saw the youngster take the new-ball role with the RCB icon at the other end. Bethell’s promotion to the top order came after Phil Salt was ruled out with an injury, thrusting the England batter into a high-pressure slot alongside one of the most scrutinised players in T20 cricket.
At 22, Bethell has already attracted attention for his talent, but sharing the crease with Kohli has given him a front-row view of how an elite performer prepares and approaches each phase of an innings. The IPL, with its relentless tempo and tight margins, often becomes a training ground where emerging batters can absorb habits from seasoned stars—and Bethell suggested he’s benefiting directly from that environment.
Quick facts
- Jacob Bethell is opening the innings for RCB alongside Virat Kohli in recent matches.
- Bethell’s role at the top came after Phil Salt was sidelined with an injury.
- Bethell is 22 years old and is an England batter.
- RCB played their first five home matches of IPL 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- The franchise will move to Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium for the final two home fixtures.
- RCB’s next match is against Mumbai Indians, with Bethell speaking ahead of the clash.
Bethell also explained why batting next to Kohli hasn’t felt like an extra burden. He said the presence of a player of Kohli’s stature can actually lift pressure off his own shoulders, because much of the attention naturally gravitates toward the established star—leaving him freer to express himself.
Speaking about the dynamic at the crease, Bethell described it as “cool” and emphasised that it’s a comfortable experience to be involved with Kohli both on the field and in the dressing room. He added that having someone of that calibre in the side means you can rely on him, and that the spotlight on Kohli often reduces the intensity elsewhere in the batting unit.
Ahead of the upcoming MI clash, Bethell summed up the mindset by saying it doesn’t weigh on him; rather, it helps him play with more freedom. In his view, the setup allows him to focus on his own execution while letting Kohli’s class do what it does best for the team.
Raipur shift: “home away from home”
Bethell then turned to RCB’s temporary home stretch in Raipur, describing it as a “home away from home” for the franchise. He noted that the team received a warm welcome at the hotel and that the transition has been smooth, with the camp settling in quickly since arriving for the final phase of their home campaign.
RCB had initially hosted their first five matches of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but the schedule now requires a move to Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium for the last two home games under a prior arrangement. Bethell stressed that training on the ground will be crucial, as the side needs to adapt fast to the conditions.
He pointed out that Mumbai Indians have already spent a couple of days in Raipur, but he didn’t believe that factor would be decisive. With confidence in their ability to adjust, Bethell suggested RCB will acclimatise quickly and come out ready for the contest against MI.
