Jacob Bethell to replace Tim David: Possible ways RCB can include him in playing XI in IPL 2026

Ways by which RCB can include Bethell in playing XI [Source: @GarhManmohan/x.com]

RCB have their playing XI almost sorted for the IPL 2026 season, but if there is one player who can force his way into the main team, then it has to be England’s star boy, Jacob Bethell. The new England number three smashed his maiden Test ton against Australia during a tricky situation, and the score came at a rapid pace.

Last season, Bethell was roped in by the RCB side, and while he warmed the bench for most of the season, the youngster did get his chance to showcase his skills, and he accumulated 67 runs in 2 matches with a strike rate of 171.

With RCB having abundance of talent for the IPL 2026 campaign, can Bethell actually make it into the playing XI?

Permutation-combination to include Bethell in RCB XI

Openers sorted, Bethell at 3

In Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, RCB has its opening combination sorted, and that leaves no place for Bethell to make that spot his own. However, there is still room for the England star to enter RCB’s XI, as he can also bat at number 3. There is Devdutt Padikkal on the side who bats at number 3, but Bethell brings an aggressive approach, and can also chip in with a couple of overs.

At one down, Bethell has a T20I strike rate of 158.57, and he can bring a similar approach for RCB. As a result, Rajat Patidar can play at his usual position (number 4), and the team can go in with Venkatesh Iyer, their 7 crore signing at number 5.

Bethell at 5 to replace injured Tim David

Tim David is currently nursing a hamstring injury, and there is no timeline for his return. As a result, if the Aussie batter is not one hundred percent fit, RCB can go in with Bethell at 5, with Padikkal/Venkatesh Iyer at 3, and Rajat Patidar at 4.

Bethell at number 5 in T20Is)

• At the number 5 position, Bethell boasts an extraordinary record with a strike rate of 188.14. In fact, in T20Is, the southpaw enjoys batting at 5, having his best strike rate at that position. He can be used as an aggressor and a finisher for the side in case there is no Tim David.

Play Bethell according to condition

RCB can also utilise him according to the different conditions. He is an excellent player of spin-bowling, and on surfaces where the ball gets a bit of grip, the team can bring in Bethell to play the aggressor’s role.

(Bethell vs spinners in T20Is)

• In T20Is, Bethell has a strike rate of 181 against the spinners, and hence, on tricky conditions, he can be utilised by the RCB management.
• Moreover, on such wickets, he can also chip in for the side with his left-arm orthodox bowling. Hence, RCB can continue with Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazlewood as their overseas players, but according to the conditions, they can replace David with Bethell.

Final verdict

England star boy, Bethell, is RCB’s future, and the team has to manage him carefully. Don’t be surprised if RCB includes him in the playing XI, but for that, the team needs to use some permutations and combinations to draft the England player in their lineup for the IPL 2026 season. The plans include using him according to conditions. 

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