RCB caught up between Jacob Bethell’s promise and structural balance as playoffs loom

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered IPL 2026 with the aura of defending champions, their batting blueprint anchored by the Salt-Kohli partnership that had delivered their maiden crown. The reunion of the pair in the 19th edition was expected to reprise that success, and early signs were encouraging. 

A 120‑run opening stand against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede in match 20, followed by another fifty‑plus stand against Delhi Capitals, reaffirmed the rhythm that had defined their triumph.

Salt’s injury, however, altered the equation. His departure to the UK for treatment left a void at the top, and RCB immediately turned to Jacob Bethell. It was a no-brainer. Bethell’s promise, courtesy of his audacious hundred against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal, was too tempting to resist. 

That innings, 105 off 48 balls, was a masterclass in counter‑attacking strokeplay. Walking in at 38/2 with England languishing, Bethell dismantled India’s attack, striking at 218.75, silencing a boisterous crowd, and carrying his side to the brink of an improbable chase. Though England fell short, it didn't reflect poorly on Bethell, who made a lion-hearted effort.

RCB's faith is justified, but Bethell's returns are modest

RCB’s faith in Bethell was entirely justified. His ceiling is immense, and his ability to alter the course of a contest is undeniable. Yet, five games into his IPL stint, the numbers have been quite concerning: 14, 20, 5, 4, and 27. 

The southpaw has not resembled the batter who tormented India, and the IPL defending champions find themselves caught between the allure of potential and the demands of balance.

Lower middle-order vulnerability

The imbalance has been compounded by Jitesh Sharma’s slump. Last season, Jitesh was a revelation for RCB, scoring 261 runs at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35. This year, he has managed only 82 runs in nine innings, striking at 115.49 and averaging just 9.11. His struggles have left RCB’s middle order vulnerable, exposing the side in crunch phases.

Persisting with Bethell has meant sacrificing flexibility. The wicketkeeping slot has become a cause of major worry, and the batting order lacks depth beyond Rajat Patidar.

Need for recalibration

The solution lies in recalibration. Jordan Cox, with over 4000 T20 runs at an average of 30.64 and a strike rate of 140.15, offers wicketkeeping solidity and batting depth. Slotting Cox in for Bethell would allow RCB to introduce Venkatesh Iyer at the expense of Jitesh.

Venkatesh’s inclusion would strengthen the lower middle order and provide an additional seam option, which is crucial given Romario Shepherd’s struggles with the bat and ball in hand. 

Shepherd has struck at just 125.75 this season, leaving RCB vulnerable in finishing phases. Iyer’s dual skillset could plug that gap, restoring balance to the XI. Bethell’s promise has substance. That World Cup knock was not a mirage but a glimpse of what he can deliver. Yet in the unforgiving theatre of the IPL, balance often trumps brilliance.

RCB must resist the temptation of potential at the expense of structure. A pragmatic reshuffle: Cox for Bethell, Iyer for Jitesh, may restore balance and give the champions a sturdier platform as they chase playoff qualification.

Bethell’s time will come again. For now, Royal Challengers Bengaluru must remember that defending a title requires not just flair but foresight.