Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has encouraged young batsman Jacob Bethell to stay in India and pursue chances in the Indian Premier League, supporting him against remarks from ex-skipper Alastair Cook. The 22-year-old Bethell has not yet appeared for his Bengaluru team this IPL season, leading Cook to recommend a return to England for county matches with Warwickshire. Pietersen, who once represented the same franchise, rejected this idea on Thursday, emphasizing the worth of the IPL setting even without active participation. In a social media post, Pietersen stated that Cook lacks insight into the IPL experience and the advantage of being near top global talent. He advised Bethell to remain, noting that the exposure would enhance his skills regardless of playing time. Bethell addressed Cook’s suggestion on Wednesday, justifying his choice to continue with the team and highlighting the unique advantages of tournament involvement. He explained that the high-level environment elevates everyone’s performance, even for those not in the starting lineup, especially with features like impact players. Bethell is regarded as a promising talent for England, particularly as a potential long-term top-order player in Test cricket. His 154-run innings in the final Ashes Test in Sydney stood out amid England’s 4-1 loss to Australia, demonstrating his ability to handle elite bowling in challenging situations. Cook praised this performance, expressing confidence in Bethell’s capacity to open the batting or slot in at number three.
