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Kevin Pietersen Lashes Out at Alastair Cook for Asking Jacob Bethell to Leave RCB and Play County Cricket
Pietersen said Bethell is learning in the Indian Premier League even without regular games, while Cook wants the England prospect back in county cricket to open for Warwickshire.
- Kevin Pietersen defended Jacob Bethell remaining with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League on Thursday, rejecting Sir Alastair Cook's advice for the 22-year-old to return to county cricket.
- Cook warned Bethell's progress is stunted and argued he should play for Warwickshire to prepare for England's summer Test series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, claiming Bethell is "sitting on his a*** not doing anything" at the IPL.
- After starring in the Ashes and T20 World Cup, Bethell told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast that being around the IPL's high-calibre environment allows him to learn subconsciously despite limited match time.
- Dismissing the advice, Pietersen stated, "Cook has absolutely no idea what it's like to be in the IPL." He argued training alongside the world's best players benefits Bethell more than current county standards.
- Although Bethell admitted he would prefer to cement the number three spot, he confirmed he will follow instructions for the upcoming Test season, having previously scored 154 and 105.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Times of India
The Economic TimesKevin Pietersen backs Jacob Bethell to remain in India for IPL despite Alastair Cook's criticism
Kevin Pietersen has urged young batter Jacob Bethell to stay in India and learn from the IPL, dismissing Alastair Cook's suggestion to return to county cricket. Pietersen believes the IPL environment, even without playing, offers invaluable experience. Bethell himself highlighted the tournament's unique atmosphere and its positive impact on players.
Kevin Pietersen reignites feud with Alastair Cook with ‘no idea’ swipe
Kevin Pietersen has sparked fresh hostilities with Sir Alastair Cook after the former England captain questioned Jacob Bethell's decision to remain in India for the Indian Premier League.Cook had suggested the young batsman should head back to Warwickshire for county cricket rather than "sitting on his a*** at the IPL not doing anything", given Bethell has yet to feature for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Pietersen fired back on X, declaring: "Alas…
He has no idea what its like to be in IPL, stay in India: Pietersen lashes out at Cooks advice to Bethell amid bench role for RCB - The Tribune
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has lashed out at Alastair Cook for suggesting Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Jacob Bethell to leave the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and return to county cricket.
Stay in India Bethell, Cook knows nothing of IPL: Pietersen fires at ex-teammate
IPL 2026: Kevin Pietersen has defended Jacob Bethell’s IPL stint, taking aim at Alastair Cook’s criticism. The former England captains remain divided on whether learning in the IPL outweighs the need for regular match time.
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