Will Jacob Bethell play tonight for RCB vs GT in IPL 2026 clash?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Jacob Bethell has played only two games in the IPL before.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had a great start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, winning four games out of the six played so far. The defending champions stepped into the tournament not with the intention to defend the title, but with the aim to dominate. They are currently in third position in the points table, just behind Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).
However, RCB faced a loss in their last game against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which exposed a few weak points that remain a concern for the management. The batting, which had thrived in the tournament, seemed to collapse in the last game, scoring only 175 runs. They had a great start, but the middle order couldn’t capitalise on it.
In the bowling department, they tried their best to pull off the match, with good death overs from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, but Romario Shepherd couldn’t defend 15 runs in the final over against David Miller.
RCB would be eyeing a comeback as they are all set to take on Gujarat Titans (GT). The match between the teams will be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, April 24.
Will Jacob Bethell play in RCB vs GT game of IPL 2026?
There have been multiple media reports suggesting that England all-format batter Jacob Bethell may start against GT for RCB. A few English pundits, including legendary Test batter Alastair Cook, have suggested that Bethell should return and play county cricket rather than warming the bench in the IPL.
Bethell has been having extended net sessions, and the team might look to strengthen their batting order by including Bethell in the middle order. Romario Shepherd hasn’t provided many returns in the bowling department, and his batting has also been underutilised, which makes a strong case for Bethell’s inclusion.
However, RCB head coach Andy Flower did express confidence in Shepherd after the last game’s loss, saying that the team is backing him. They may continue to back Romario, who played a major role in the team’s success last year, but at the same time, they won’t be taking their eyes off Jacob Bethell.
Who will Jacob Bethell replace in RCB’s playing XI?
Jacob Bethell is most likely to replace Romario Shepherd in the RCB playing XI.
When is the next game of RCB?
RCB will face Gujrat Titans on 24th April at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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