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RCB shelled out Rs 2.6 crore for English all-rounder Bethel at the IPL 2025 auction which left several fans and pundits puzzled as the 21-year-old is yet to prove his mettle. However, English opener Salt lauded the youngster and suggested he possess a unique skillset.
Jacob Bethell. (X)
England wicketkeeper batter Phil Salt has issued a stern message to fans doubting Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) latest recruit Jacob Bethell. RCB shelled out Rs 2.6 crore for the 21-year-old all-rounder at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
The big-money signing left several fans and pundits puzzled as Bethell had yet to prove his mettle in the franchise tournament. However, Salt hailed his young compatriot while suggesting that people should go on YouTube and watch him play before commenting. “Go to YouTube and have a look: I don’t think you’ll be disappointed,” the England wicketkeeper said as per ESPNcricinfo.
Speaking further about his teammate’s abilities, Salt suggested that not many cricketers have the same skillset as Bethell. “I’m getting sick of speaking highly of him at this point, but he’s a great player and a great lad. He thinks about the game in the right way, he’s very committed, and there’s not many people out there that have the skill that he’s got,” Salt concluded.
Bethell’s name came up on Day 2 of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The upcoming England star started a bidding war between RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). He entered the auction at a base price of Rs 1.25 crore. Bengaluru eventually won the battle, securing the youngster’s signature for the upcoming season in 2025.
Bethell is currently set to make his Test debut in the upcoming New Zealand-England series. He is expected to bat in the number 3 position in England’s batting order. Bethell has also been impressive in T20I cricket. In the six innings he has played in the format, the southpaw has scored 173 runs. He has racked up these numbers at a strike rate of 167.96. Bethell announced himself to the world after scoring two centuries against the West Indies in a recently concluded series. He will also hope to put up some incredible numbers for RCB in the next edition of the IPL.
As for Salt, the England wicketkeeper enjoyed a spotless campaign with KKR last season. Salt produced multiple match-winning knocks in 2024, guiding Kolkata to their third crown in the franchise tournament. He scored 435 runs for the side at a staggering strike rate of 182.01. The 28-year-old will now have the opportunity to spearhead RCB’s attack next season in 2025 after being purchased by the three-time finalists for Rs 11.50 crores.
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