Two greats of England have come face to face in the name of Indian Premier League. This matter is related to RCB’s star player Jacob Bethel. In fact, Bethel has not yet got the opportunity to play a single match for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2026. In such a situation, former England captain Alastair Cook had advised that instead of sitting on the bench, it would be better for Bethel to leave the IPL and come back to England and play county cricket. Kevin Pietersen is furious at Cook’s statement.

Kevin Pietersen got furious

Kevin Pietersen angrily said that Alastair Cook has no knowledge of how it feels to play in the IPL. He also took a dig at Cook and said that he has no idea what it feels like to be around the best players in the world. Therefore, what they think on this does not matter.

Alastair Cook has never played in IPL, while Kevin Pietersen has experience of playing for three teams. Pietersen further advised Jacob Bethel that he should stay in India, because even if he does not get a chance in the playing eleven, he will get a lot to learn.

Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it’s like to be in the IPL. What’s it’s like to always be around the best players in the world.
So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn’t matter at all.
Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you’re not playing, you’re learning and…

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) April 23, 2026

Jacob Bethel said, will stay with RCB

While discussing on Sky Sports Podcast, Jacob Batchelor had said that he will remain associated with RCB. He clearly said that he is enjoying the environment of IPL very much. Baithel said that what kind of experience one gets while being in IPL, it can be felt only by joining a team.

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