IPL 2026: Jacob Bethell set to play in next RCB game? Viral video sparks selection buzz

Jacob Bethell’s focus is completely on the IPL 2026. The England international was spotted spending an extended amount of time in the practice sessions. He looked sharp and fit to play matches for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

RCB’s next match will be on April 24 at the home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, against the Gujarat Titans. Will the defending champions make any changes in their playing combination for their upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans?  

Practice video hints at Bethell’s possible inclusion in the playing XI

Ahead of the Gujarat match, RCB has four wins and two defeats in 6 matches so far with a net run rate of +1.171. In their previous match, Bengaluru was outplayed by the Rajasthan Royals with ease. From now on, the winner of the IPL 2025 will try their best to successfully make a bounce back in the ongoing season.

A video, shared on the social media platform ‘X’, shows glimpses of Jacob Bethell’s training, which has sparked speculations regarding the playing combination of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their next match against the Gujarat Titans. The caption of the video reads, “Bethell practiced for 3 hours today. His longest. Starboy is all set to play the next RCB game.” The video was shared on the social media platform on April 21.

Watch the video here:

Why has Jacob Bethell yet to feature for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season

The IPL 2026 season started only a few days after the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup. As the gap between the T20 WC and IPL 2026 was arguably within limits. England missed the Final of ICC’s showcase tournament, but played a semi-final match against Team India.

Read More: IPL 2026: Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana set to return for next match

After the conclusion of the competition, like many cricketers, Jacob Bethell also opted to spend some free time as well as some recovery time, physically and mentally. He joined the RCB camp late and is yet to play his first match in IPL 2026.  

Team combination dilemma, keeping Bethell on the bench so far

In the 2025 season, the English batting all-rounder featured in only 2 matches for the Bengaluru-based franchise. He played as an opener for the team. If the franchise wants to include Bethell in the playing combination, then they will have to consider a major reshuffle in their playing combination.

RCB has a well-set troop of foreign talents. The franchise retained most of its overseas players from the triumphant season for the 2026 campaign. Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazelwood are the key players in their line-up. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has also made some significant contributions.

If the team management wants to show trust in Jacob Bethell, then at least one change in the playing eleven will have to be considered. So far, Tim David has played well, and Romario Shepherd, a pace bowling all-rounder, has also performed significantly well in the season so far. Phil Salt, the designated opener of the team, has yet to perform according to his caliber. Against the Rajasthan Royals, Salt was dismissed for a duck. Based on the recent performance, Jacob Bethell looks like a strong contender to make a tie with Virat Kohli to open the innings.