Virat Kohli’s presence at RCB has striking effect on Jacob Bethell: ‘People are only watching him’

Bethell said having a player of Kohli’s stature at the other end has actually helped him play with more freedom.

Updated on: May 10, 2026, 06:16:53 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Jacob Bethell spoke about his experience of batting alongside Virat Kohli after getting the opportunity to open the innings with the RCB star in recent matches. Bethell moved to the top of the order after Phil Salt was sidelined with an injury, and the youngster has quickly found himself sharing the crease with one of the biggest names in world cricket. The IPL often gives young players a chance to learn from established stars in a highly competitive environment, and Bethell admitted it has been a valuable experience. At just 22, the England batter has already earned attention for his talent, but opening the batting with Kohli has offered him a close look at the intensity, preparation and mindset of an elite player.

Jacob Bethell has been opening the innings with Virat Kohli in the last few matches. (PTI)

Speaking about opening the batting alongside the Indian maestro, Bethell said having a player of Kohli’s stature at the other end has actually helped him play with more freedom. The young RCB batter also explained why batting with the former captain does not add extra pressure despite the spotlight constantly being on him.

"It is cool. I have said it multiple times, how cool it is to bat with him and be involved in the dressing room with him. I don't think it adds any more pressure. It is just nice to have someone of that calibre in your team. You can count on him, and a lot of the time, people are only watching him, so a lot of the pressure is off. It is not something that burdens you; it is something that allows you to play freely, I guess," Bethell said ahead of the MI clash.

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Raipur RCB's home away from home now

RCB played their first five home matches of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but the franchise will shift base to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium for their remaining two home fixtures as part of a prior arrangement.

Bethell also spoke about RCB’s temporary shift to Raipur for the final phase of their home campaign, saying the team has settled in comfortably and is backing itself to adapt quickly to the new conditions ahead of the clash against the Mumbai Indians.

"This is our home away from home now. We had a great welcome yesterday at the hotel, and the transition to Raipur has been seamless. Training today is going to be very important because we have to adapt quickly. Mumbai has had a couple of days here, but I don't really think that makes a huge difference. We are a confident team, and I think we are going to adapt pretty well," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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