Watching virat

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s young all-rounder Jacob Bethell says observing seasoned campaigners like Virat Kohli has helped him grasp the nuances of chasing in T20 cricket, as the Englishman continues to grow into his role in the IPL.

Now in his second season with the franchise, the 23-year-old reflected on his journey from Barbados to one of the biggest stages in world cricket. “I grew up in Barbados, always with a bat and ball. Around 10–12, I started taking it seriously. I moved to England for school, progressed to Warwickshire, and signed my first contract in 2021. A stress fracture set me back, but I came back strong, earned an England call-up, and then arrived in Bengaluru,” Bethell said, outlining his path to the IPL.

Adjusting to the attention that comes with playing in India has been a unique experience for the youngster. “The limelight is a funny thing, life is still the same, but when people want to watch you play, it’s a privilege. I don’t know how many people in India would be calling me Starboy. It’s pretty incredible,” he added.