Bethell eyes match-winning show for RCB against MI after back-to-back losses
Synopsis
Bethell's defiance masks RCB's vulnerability. Two losses in, the defending champions are scrambling to reset in a new city. Bethell's hunger is real, but so is the pressure: a third consecutive defeat could unravel the season before it truly begins. Against a Mumbai Indians side that has had more time to acclimatise to Raipur, RCB's mental resilience will be tested as much as their batting depth.
Key Takeaways
Jacob Bethell emphasised RCB's focus on mental reset and quick adaptation ahead of the MI clash in Raipur on Sunday.
Bethell said batting alongside Virat Kohli eases pressure rather than adding to it, allowing him to "play freely." RCB have lost back-to-back matches but remain confident of their ability to bounce back with "four points" from the Mumbai Indians encounter.
Bethell acknowledged a slow start to IPL 2026 but stressed his "burning desire" to deliver a match-winning performance.
The young batter defended his decision to prioritise the IPL over domestic cricket, calling it career-enhancing.
AB de Villiers recently compared Bethell to Virat Kohli , a compliment Bethell received with humility.
Jacob Bethell, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's young batter, on Saturday emphasised the importance of mental reset ahead of RCB's high-stakes clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur on Sunday, saying the team's sole focus is adapting quickly and delivering on the day.
Reflecting on his experience alongside Virat Kohli, Bethell said the presence of such a calibre player actually eases pressure rather than adding to it. "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 told reporters.
Settling into Raipur
RCB shifted their home base from Bengaluru to Raipur mid-tournament, and Bethell highlighted the seamless transition. "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 said.
Bouncing Back from Twin Defeats
After consecutive losses, RCB's defending champions status is under pressure. But Bethell struck a defiant note, emphasising that introspection has given way to forward focus. "There is no shying away from the fact that we have lost two games in a row. We have reflected on them and there are areas where we were not at our best. But the only thing that matters now is being present for that first ball in the next game. If we are able to do that and adapt quickly, our best is very good and we have got more than enough in the dressing room to walk away with four points here," he said.
Personal Form and Hunger
Bethell acknowledged a slow start to the tournament but underlined his hunger to contribute. "I have not got off to the start that I would have wanted in this tournament, but the only game that matters is the one tomorrow. I never really feel like I am fighting for a spot. It is more from a hunger to contribute to this team. It does not feel good when you are not contributing to wins and there is definitely a burning desire to go out there and put in a match-winning performance tomorrow," he added.
IPL Over Domestic Commitments
Bethell also defended his decision to prioritise the IPL over domestic cricket obligations, calling it a career-enhancing move. "Everyone is allowed to have their opinions and that is absolutely fine. But from a personal point of view, I think I have made the right decision. This is the marquee tournament of the year with pretty much all of the best cricketers in the world playing in it. I definitely do not think it is going to hurt my career. I think it is going to do the opposite," he said.
AB de Villiers Comparison
When asked about AB de Villiers's recent comparison of Bethell to Virat Kohli, the young batter remained measured. "AB is obviously a legend. I am not sure about that comparison to be honest, but to have someone like AB mention me in those remarks is pretty cool," Bethell said.
The defending champions will aim to arrest their slide and regain momentum against Mumbai Indians on Sunday in what promises to be a pivotal encounter in IPL 2026.
Point of View
But it also masks a deeper issue: RCB's middle order has not fired in sync. The shift to Raipur adds logistical complexity to an already fragile run. Against a Mumbai side that has had longer to settle, RCB's comeback narrative depends less on Bethell's hunger and more on whether their gun players—Kohli, Rajat Patidar—can deliver simultaneously. One more loss and questions about the team's balance will become unavoidable.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jacob Bethell say about batting with Virat Kohli?
Bethell said batting alongside Kohli eases pressure rather than adding to it, as most of the spotlight falls on Kohli. He described it as "cool" and said it allows him to "play freely." Bethell emphasised that having a player of Kohli's calibre in the dressing room is a strength, not a burden.
How has RCB adapted to their move from Bengaluru to Raipur?
Bethell said the transition has been seamless, with the team receiving a great welcome at their hotel. He acknowledged that training and quick adaptation are crucial, though he downplayed any advantage Mumbai Indians might have from being in Raipur longer.
What is RCB's mindset after back-to-back losses?
Bethell said the team has reflected on their defeats and identified areas for improvement, but the focus is now on the present game. He stressed that "being present for that first ball in the next game" is what matters, and that RCB have "more than enough in the dressing room" to secure a win against Mumbai Indians.
How has Jacob Bethell's personal form been in IPL 2026?
Bethell acknowledged he has not had the start he wanted but said the only game that matters is the next one. He expressed a "burning desire" to contribute to a win and said he does not feel he is fighting for his spot—rather, he is driven by hunger to help the team.
Why did Bethell choose IPL over domestic cricket commitments?
Bethell defended his decision, calling the IPL the "marquee tournament of the year" with the best cricketers globally. He believes prioritising the IPL will enhance rather than hurt his career.
