IPL 2025: RCB's Newest Recruit Jacob Bethell Smashes 37-ball Fifty on Test Debut For England vs New Zealand

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru's newest recruit Jacob Bethell smashed a 37-ball fifty in his debut Test to help England beat New Zealand by eight wickets in the 1st Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday (December 1).

Bethell, who was bought by RCB during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for Rs. 2.60 crore, scored 10 in his maiden Test innings, but the all-rounder bounced back brilliantly in the second innings as he shared an unbeaten 49-run stand with Joe Root (23 off 15 balls) to complete the run chase of 104 in 12.2 overs.

The 21-year-old left-handed batter, who bowls slow left-arm, has made tremendous strides since making his international debut earlier this year in September. Bethell has made 8 ODI appearances and 7 T20I starts before making his Test debut in New Zealand on November 28.

RCB came out on top in the bidding war with Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad to land Bethell, who entered the IPL Auction with a base price of Rs 1.25 Crore. He has been backed by experts to become a big star in the years to come.

The youngster was excited to play at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in front of the RCB fans as he also thanked the management for putting their trust in him in a video posted by the franchise on social media.

"Hi RCB fans, just wanted to say how excited I'm to play in front of you guys this year. I have seen you guys and your amazing support. So, I can't wait to play in front of you guys," Bethell said in a video posted by RCB on X.

"Also, thanks a lot to the coaching staff and support staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Can't wait to get going. I have seen how great of a franchise you guys are. The top echelon of players that you guys have got. So, can't wait to say that I'm part of that as well. Cheers."

RCB head coach Andy Flower has been full of praise for the youngster, saying the fans will love watching him play and backed Bethell to be an important player for the team for years to come.

"Jacob Bethell is a guy with very high ceiling. I think when he plays, our fans will love watching him play. Left hander, beautiful striker of the ball, timer of the ball, he hits well over extra cover, he slog-sweeps the spinners, he ramps the quick bowlers," Flower said in a RCB release.

"And not only will he be important for us as a batsman this year but there's a potential for him to grow and then for us to get reward in the coming years as well."