 "England star Jacob Bethell plays for RCB in the IPL. Image: PTI")
Jacob Bethell fell agonisingly close to what would have been an innings of a lifetime as Sanju Samson whipped off the stumps and India breathed a sigh of relief in the final over of the thrilling semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Bethell was the sole reason that England stayed alive in the 254-run chase till the final over of the T20 World Cup semi-final. The 22-year-old smashed a valiant 105 in just 48 balls. And if not for Hardik Pandya’s brilliant fielding in the deep on the first ball of the final over, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter may have also taken England past the finishing line.
RCB fans await Bethell magic in IPL
Thankfully, that is not how it all transpired, and RCB fans would have to wait for close to one month to see the England youngster back in action in their franchise colours.
England captain Harry Brook was also full of praise for Bethell as he declared that the youngster is set to make a lot of “serious money” in the franchise leagues.
“Jacob Bethell was absolutely unbelievable,” Brook said after the India match. “I think he’s going to earn some serious money in his career and have a fantastic career with England. He showed the world how good he is tonight.
“Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side, but that innings is a huge positive to take away from this competition. Seeing him go out there and take the game on from ball one, showing everyone what he can do, it was special.”
Brook’s admiration for Bethell must have come as music to RCB fans’ ears. It’s only the latest stamp of approval for someone expected to become a future star, which is why RCB invested in him at the IPL 2025 auction. The franchise bought Bethell for Rs 2.6 crore in the mega auction.
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View AllBethell has only played two IPL matches so far, scoring a fifty against arch-rival Chennai Super Kings (CSK).