IPL 2025 : RCB Faced Flak For Opting Jacobs Bethell Instead Of Will Jacks, But It's A Masterstroke - Here's Why

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced significant backlash for their strategy during the IPL 2025 auction in November, particularly for releasing their star performer, Will Jacks and choosing not to utilize the Right to Match (RTM) card to retain him.

Jacks, who had delivered a sensational century against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the previous season, entered the auction on Day 2.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) quickly locked horns in a fierce bidding contest to secure his services. Ultimately, the five-time champions, MI, clinched the deal with a ₹5.25 crore bid. To the surprise of many fans and experts, RCB refrained from stepping in with the RTM card, leaving their decision heavily criticized.

Instead, RCB actually went for 21-year-old Englishman, Jacob Bethell, who made his debut in September, is currently making waves in the cricketing world. Obviously the decision was not met with good sport as the Bengaluru-based team left out a player with proven pedigree.

But if we look at it properly, it was a very good move by the management, something which is not pointed out amid all the flak.

Why Jacob Bethell And Not Will Jacks?

Much before Will Jacks came into the fray, RCB had already assembled a strong top-order lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar. With Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma locked in as their primary finishers, the franchise's pressing need was for a reliable left-handed batter to take responsibility during the middle overs. This made their decision to acquire Jacob Bethell a strategic and sensible choice, as his skills could bring significant balance and depth to their squad. Moreover, the southpaw boasts an impressive average of 40.25 while maintaining a healthy strike rate of 140.40 during the middle overs. Another reason could be that Jacks is now much in demand after he has become an all-format player for England, but Jacks is mostly seen in shorter formats.

Is Jacob Bethell Better Than Will Jacks?

Well it depends upon the perspective. But in 2024 T20 games since January, Bethell has been a better batter overall. Bethell in 2024, amassed 700 T20 runs in 25 innings with an average of 38.89 and at a strike-rate of 151.18. While, Jacks scored 1119 runs in 45 innings with a low average of 26.02 but has a superior strike-rate at 159.17.