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In the 46th match of IPL 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and decided to bowl first against Delhi Capitals (DC). Both sides shuffled their lineups ahead of the clash, but the biggest talking point was the debut of promising youngster Jacob Bethell for RCB.
Who is Jacob Bethell?
Among the changes made by RCB, the introduction of Bethell caught everyone’s attention. The 21-year-old all-rounder from England, known for his dynamic batting and effective left-arm spin, received his maiden IPL cap, marking a special moment early in his professional journey.
Bethell was born on October 23, 2003, in Barbados into a family with a rich cricketing background. His grandfather, Arthur Bethell, represented Barbados at the first-class level, sparking Jacob’s interest in the sport from a young age. He attended Harrison College in Barbados, where he made headlines by being named Player of the Tournament at the West Indies Under-15 competition in 2017. His cricketing journey then took him to Rugby School in England on a scholarship, where former Warwickshire captain Mike Powell helped shape his development.
Rising through the domestic ranks
Bethell’s professional career began when he signed with Warwickshire County Cricket Club at just 17. He made an immediate impact in England’s domestic circuit, impressing in both the T20 Blast and the Royal London Cup. His versatility as a batting all-rounder quickly made him a valued member of the Warwickshire setup.
Later, Bethell gained further exposure by joining Welsh Fire in The Hundred and currently plies his trade with Birmingham Phoenix, sharpening his skills in franchise cricket.
Also READ: 5 players who have represented both RCB and DC in the IPL
Making a mark on the international stage
Bethell’s international breakthrough came during the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was named vice-captain of the England U-19 team. His explosive 88-run innings off just 42 balls against South Africa in the quarterfinals turned heads and highlighted his ability to dominate under pressure. This innings was pivotal in England’s journey to the semi-finals and boosted Bethell’s reputation as a future star.
In September 2024, Bethell debuted for England in both T20Is and ODI cricket against India. Few months later in December, he played his maiden Test against New Zealand in November. So far, Bethell has played 10 T20Is, 9 ODIs and 3 Tests for England.
Debut for RCB in IPL
Bethell added another feather to his illustrious cap when he made his debut for RCB. The aggressive left-handed batter’s inclusion brought fresh energy to the team. His debut in such a high-profile tournament marks a significant milestone in his career, offering him a platform to showcase his talent in front of a global audience.
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