New Delhi, April 23 -- Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has lashed out at Alastair Cook for suggesting Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Jacob Bethell to leave the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and return to county cricket.

Bethell has yet to feature in the playing XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during IPL 2026, with the franchise preferring overseas options like Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, and Tim David.

While Cook remains concerned about Bethell's lack of game time, he believes the youngster could still be a viable opening option for England.

"For that top order batting, the way he played at Sydney, against that attack, in those conditions - I've looked at a player there, and I'm certain this blok...