Michael Atherton took a jab at Nasser Hussain during a discussion on the upcoming Test series against India.
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Jacob Bethell’s Brief but Impactful Role in RCB’s Road to the IPL 2025 Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their place in the IPL 2025 final earlier this week with a dominant 8-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB had finished second in the league table with 19 points, and their clinical dismantling of PBKS—bundling them out for just 101 in 14.1 overs—was a testament to their well-rounded campaign.
RCB’s run to the final has been marked by contributions from several match-winners, one of whom was Jacob Bethell. Though he featured in only two matches, Bethell made a strong impression, particularly with a blistering 55 off 33 balls as an opener against Chennai Super Kings. That match turned out to be RCB’s last before the tournament was suspended due to military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Following the suspension, Bethell returned to England but rejoined the RCB squad once the tournament resumed. He was available for selection for two more games before his scheduled departure for England’s ODI series against the West Indies. However, RCB opted not to play him again, ending his IPL 2025 stint with one impactful knock and untapped potential.
Bethell and a shot at Nasser
During a Sky Sports Cricket podcast, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton debated Jacob Bethell’s participation in the IPL amidst England’s Test commitments. The discussion centered on Bethell’s availability for the upcoming Test series against India, with Hussain pondering how England might fit him into the playing XI.
Atherton, however, offered a sharp rebuttal. “I take you back to three podcasts ago when we were discussing the Zimbabwe Test match. I said then—bring him back from the IPL. It’s an international match. He’s a centrally contracted player. Bring him back,” Atherton asserted, making it clear his stance wasn’t formed in hindsight.
The remarks highlighted the ongoing debate around balancing IPL opportunities with international responsibilities—especially for young English talents like Bethell.