Jacob Bethell enters IPL 2026 as one of the most talked-about overseas players in the league. RCB held onto him for ₹2.60 crore after he showed real spark in IPL 2025, specifically with a quick-fire 55 against Chennai Super Kings at a strike rate of 171.79. Since then, his reputation has skyrocketed.
He smashed a century against Australia in the Sydney Ashes Test, hit his first ODI ton against South Africa, and ended up as England’s top run-scorer at the 2026 T20 World Cup, bagging 280 runs across eight innings at a 152.17 strike rate. Even so, RCB have kept him on the bench, even while Phil Salt has been running hot and cold at the top of the order.
The RCB Puzzle For Jacob Bethell And Why Other Teams Are Watching
The situation at RCB is something other teams will be tracking closely. Their overseas slots are pretty much locked in, and finding room for Jacob Bethell means benching either Tim David, who was striking at 203.22 at the death in 2025, or Romario Shepherd, who famously smoked 53* off 14 balls against CSK. There’s no easy way to swap them out, but leaving a talent as hot as Bethell on the sidelines feels like a missed opportunity for the franchise.
Looking at those stats, several teams would likely jump at the chance to grab Jacob Bethell if he becomes available. Sunrisers Hyderabad feel like a perfect fit given their all-out attack philosophy. Their lineup always has room for left-handers who can go big in the power play, which is exactly what Jacob Bethell does best.
Mumbai Indians also have a history of backing young match-winners, and Bethell fits that mould perfectly. Their setup values players who contribute with both bat and ball; Bethell’s 4/11 against Sri Lanka in February 2026 proved his off-spin is a genuine weapon, not just a part-time option.
Kolkata Knight Riders, who value players that can anchor a chase without slowing down, would also appreciate his temperament. He holds the record for the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup knockout, a 105 off 48 balls against India at the Wankhede, where he almost pulled off a miracle win after England lost early wickets. That kind of coolness under pressure is exactly what KKR looks for in their middle order.
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With 697 runs across 31 T20I matches and an ICC ranking of 15th, Jacob Bethell is clearly a starter, not a backup. If RCB keep him on the bench through the 2026 season, expect a very busy transfer window; plenty of teams already have him in their sights.
