NewKerala.com

Pietersen Slams Cook Over Bethell IPL Advice, Backs Young Star's India Stay

Kevin Pietersen has strongly disagreed with Alastair Cook's suggestion that Jacob Bethell should leave the IPL due to lack of game time. Pietersen stated that Cook has no idea what it's like to be in the IPL and around the best players. He argued that Bethell's stay in India will benefit England more than returning to county cricket. Pietersen also noted that county cricket is not as strong as it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Key Points: Pietersen vs Cook: Bethell's IPL Future Sparks Debate

  • Pietersen disagrees with Cook's advice for Bethell to leave IPL
  • Bethell yet to play a match in IPL 2026 after being retained by RCB
  • Cook suggested Bethell return to county cricket to prepare for Tests
  • Pietersen says county cricket is not as strong as in the 1990s
2 min read

'If county cricket was as strong as...': Pietersen hits back at Cook over Bethell's IPL stint

Kevin Pietersen hits back at Alastair Cook over advice for Jacob Bethell to leave IPL for county cricket, saying Cook has no idea about the IPL experience.

"Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. - Kevin Pietersen"

New Delhi, April 23

England great Kevin Pietersen hit back at former teammate Alastair Cook for advising Jacob Bethell to leave the IPL due to no game time and return home to play County cricket, saying the ex-England skipper has no idea what it's like to be in the IPL.

RCB acquired Bethell for Rs 2.60 crore ahead of IPL 2025 and retained him for the 2026 season. The all-rounder, who played two games and impressed with a 33-ball 55 against Chennai Super Kings last year, is yet to play a match in the IPL 2026.

Bethell had scored a century against Australia in an Ashes Test in Sydney, recorded his maiden ODI century against South Africa and was England's highest run-getter at the 2026 T20 World Cup, scoring 280 runs in eight innings, striking at 152.17.

Cook earlier suggested that Bethell should turn to county cricket, with his place at stake for this summer's Test series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, rather than "sitting and not doing anything" at the IPL.

"It's not ideal, is it? He's sitting at the IPL, not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England," Cook had said on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast.

However, Pietersen expressed strong disagreement with Cook's opinion, stating that Cook has no idea what it's like to be around the best players in the world and supported Bethell's stay in India.

"Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. What's it 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 will be a way better player," Pieterson shared on X.

In another post, Pietersen argued that county cricket is not strong as it was in 90s and with Bethell being in India for the IPL, it will benefit England.

"If county cricket was as strong as it was in the late 90s and early 2000s, I'd also want Bethell back playing it now. But, it's NOT! It'll benefit England more by him being in India and he's already shown that," he shared in another X post.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
Cook has a point though. Sitting on the bench for weeks can't be good for match fitness. Test series against NZ and SL are coming up. But KP is right that IPL experience is invaluable. Tough call for Bethell.
V
Vikram M
Haha! Cook never played IPL, so his opinion is naturally limited. But Pietersen forgetting that county cricket produced him and so many greats? Bit ironic. Either way, staying in India and learning from the best is a no-brainer for a young player.
J
James A
As an Englishman living in India, I see both sides. County cricket has declined, true. But not playing for weeks? That's risky. Still, the IPL environment is second to none. Maybe a loan to another IPL team needing an all-rounder would be ideal.
K
Kavya N
Honestly, 2.6 crore is a lot of money for a benchwarmer! But RCB management knows he's a talent. Look at how many Indian players learned from the bench before exploding. Bethell should stay, but maybe ask for more net sessions with the coaching staff.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see ex-England greats fighting over this. I think Pietersen is being a bit harsh on Cook. Both have valid points: IPL exposure is massive, but match practice is irreplaceable. Just different philosophies of player development.
N

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50