In a crucial top-of-the-table match in IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have given a debut opportunity to England emerging star Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old all-rounder was promoted to the playing XI from Delhi Capitals (DC) in place of RCB's regular opening partner Phil Salt, who was rested because of a fever. It's a massive opportunity for Bethell, who had been creating ripples in international cricket and now enters the Indian Premier League spotlight.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed at the toss that Salt's non-availability paved the way for Bethell, and the team opted to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. With the winner of this game likely to reach atop the points table, it's a big-knock debut for the young Englishman.

A Rising Star: Jacob Bethell’s Journey to the IPL

Jacob Bethell is a left-handed batting all-rounder with clean striking, neat slow left-arm bowling, and incendiary fielding. He first came to the limelight when England played their Under-19 World Cup in 2022, impressing one and all with his unapologetic batting and chirpy fielding. His perennial run in the domestic circuit secured him a call to the senior England side at 20 in 2024. Since then, he has appeared across formats, representing England in three Tests, nine ODIs, and 10 T20Is.

Although his recent T20I series against India wasn't his best scoring only 23 runs in three games Bethell's natural talent is still present. In his T20 career to date, he has played 63 games, scoring 1127 runs at a rate of 24.50 and taking 11 wickets.

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RCB proved their faith in Bethell by snapping him up during the 2025 mega auction for ₹2.60 crore. Now with Salt unavailable, Bethell can finally showcase his talent in the IPL.

High Stakes for RCB as Jacob Bethell Prepares for IPL Debut

Bethell's addition is at a pivotal moment for RCB. On the back of five consecutive away victories, RCB are in pursuit of a record sixth successive away win something no side has ever done in IPL history. With so much riding on the outcome, Bethell's brazen attitude may be just the thing that keeps RCB's run alive.

Coming up against a strong Delhi Capitals team bolstered by Faf du Plessis's return, Bethell will look to make his mark from day one and give back the faith reposed in him. The match on Sunday is set to be an exhilarating encounter, and for Jacob Bethell, the beginning of an unforgettable IPL stint.