![Why Bethell should replace Livingstone [Source: @TheYorkerBall/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1754135518072_BETHELLKOHLIRCB(1).jpg?type=mq)
Why Bethell should replace Livingstone [Source: @TheYorkerBall/x.com]
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is still a few months away, but the buzz has already started, especially with ten teams already trying to bolster their squad via trade deals. The period before the mini auction and the mini auction allows teams to fill in any loopholes in the squad. The current IPL champions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will also try, and strengthen their team before next season.
They have almost all the bases covered, with the only two questionable spots being the spin department and a batter at number 5. Liam Livingstone batted at number 5 for the Royal Challengers in the 2025 season, but was largely ineffective. There have been talks that RCB could put him in a trade deal, or could release him before the mini auction.
RCB will save 8.75 crore by releasing Livingstone, but instead of buying a replacement, the franchise should trust one of their key weapons to fill in that spot, and that player is Jacob Bethell.
Why RCB should trust Bethell to replace Livingstone
1) Build a squad for future
RCB's top 6 boasts three players who are above 30-years-old - Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, and Liam Livingstone. With Kohli probably having two more years left, and Livingstone likely to depart, the franchise needs young blood in the squad, and Bethell could be the answer for it.
When the English youngster was bought in the auction, the team director stated that Bethell is one for the future, and the franchise should now trust him and include him in the playing XI. At just 21, Bethell has already played 71 T20 matches, and has the experience at suych a young age to fill in the gap at number 5.
Excellent T20I record at number 5
One reason to include Bethell in the squad is due to his age and experience at just 21. However, the youngster also boasts a stellar T20I record at number 5 for England.
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 5 |
| Runs | 111 |
| Strike rate | 188.14 |
(Bethell at number 5)
As the data suggests, Bethell has decent numbers, but the striking feature has been his strike-rate. The youngster hammers at 188.14 at number 5, and if RCB needs someone who can play with aggression, Bethell is the answer for them at number 5. If we talk about Livingstone, he has generally struggled at number 5 in the IPL.
The right-handed has accumulated 238 runs, at 26.44, with a strike rate of 145.
Better value for money
On his day, Livingstone is one of the most destructive batters in the IPL, but his biggest problem is consistency. In IPL 2025, he accumulated 1051 runs in 47 matches, and while the scoring rate (158) has been outstanding, his consistency has been an issue. RCB bought him for 8.75 crore, but he has not been a value for money player.
On the other hand, RCB only acquired Bethell for 2.60 crore, and if he continues to deliver, the way he has delivered for England, RCB will certainly get their value for money back. Plus, gambling on a player with a price tag of 2.60 crore is less risky, as compared to backing an inconsistent player.
