IPL 2026: Reasons Why RCB Might Release Jacob Bethell And Reinvest Elsewhere

Jatin

Jacob Bethell played for RCB in IPL 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]Jacob Bethell played for RCB in IPL 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The wait finally ended in 2025, after 18 long years of heartbreak, memes and near-misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their first IPL trophy. The celebrations lit up Bengaluru and the red army roared louder than ever.

But if there is one thing this league teaches year after year, it is that resting on your laurels is a trap. And RCB know that better than most. With the IPL 2026 trade window wide open, chatter has already started around possible player releases and tactical reshuffles.

One of the names doing the rounds? Jacob Bethell. The young English talent who showed flashes of promise but might not be in RCB's long-term blueprint.

Let's take a look at 3 three reasons why RCB might part ways with Bethell and use those funds to strengthen in more urgent areas.

3. All-Rounder and Overseas Spots Are Already Crowded

RCB already have a healthy stockpile of overseas power-hitters and all-rounders. Liam Livingstone, Tim David and Romario Shepherd offer a lethal combination of finishing power and flexibility.

Add to that Krunal Pandya, who provides a near-identical skillset to Bethell: left-handed bat, spin option and lower-order utility. So even as an all-rounder, Bethell isn't bringing something unique to the table right now.

The overseas spots are gold dust in the IPL, and you don't want one occupied by a player who doesn't have a clear role. Bethell might be young and brimming with potential, but RCB's current composition doesn't allow the luxury of keeping him in a floating role. It's not about talent; it's about team dynamics and having a playing XI that is streamlined and ready to go from ball one.

2. RCB Eyeing a Big Fish in Venkatesh Iyer

There have been strong whispers that RCB are looking to make a move for KKR's Venkatesh Iyer, a left-handed top-order option who brings balance and explosiveness. He is tailor-made for Chinnaswamy. Left-hander? Tick. Powerplay destroyer? Tick. Bowling option? Tick.

RCB's coaching staff can unlock Iyer's full potential, and they will be keen to bring him into the setup. But Iyer won't come cheap. KKR bought him for INR 23.75 crore, and even if RCB negotiate down, he will still eat up a huge chunk of the purse.

Bethell was bought for INR 2.6 crore, and releasing him could be one of the domino moves needed to free up cap space and balance the books. If it comes down to keeping Bethell or creating room for Iyer, the decision might be simpler than it looks on paper.

1. Top Order Already Jam-Packed

RCB’s top four are locked and loaded. You have got Virat Kohli and Phil Salt opening the innings and setting the tone. Kohli was on fire last season, hammering 657 runs, while Salt added 403 runs of his own.

Then there's Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed 247 runs in just 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.60 before an untimely injury cut his season short. The southpaw is expected to return fit and firing in 2026. Holding the No. 4 slot is captain Rajat Patidar, who has not just earned the position but made it his own with consistency and intent.

Given this fixed core, it is hard to see where Jacob Bethell slots in. He is a top-order player who thrives when batting early, not a floater who can be pushed around. And with RCB's top four firing on all cylinders, the Englishman might just find himself warming the bench more often than not.

Conclusion

Jacob Bethell is no doubt a player for the future, but RCB are living in the now. After finally breaking their title curse, they will want to stay sharp, lean and flexible heading into IPL 2026.

Every penny in the purse and every slot in the squad matters. And with the top order stacked, all-rounders galore and bigger fish like Venkatesh Iyer on the radar, letting go of Bethell might just be a smart, strategic call.