Goa, May 9 -- Jacob Bethell has defended his decision to stay with Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 despite criticism from former England captain Alastair Cook.

The 22-year-old all-rounder spent the first six matches of the season on the bench and only got an opportunity after an injury to Phil Salt. However, Cook questioned whether Bethell's decision to remain in the IPL instead of returning to play County Championship cricket for Warwickshire was the right move for his development ahead of England's upcoming Test series against New Zealand national cricket team, scheduled to begin on June 4.

Cook had earlier said Bethell was "sitting on his arse at the IPL" and suggested he should have been pre...