RCB face selection crisis as Jacob Bethell's 34-run IPL returns force opening rethink

Key facts

• Jacob Bethell has scored 34 runs in two innings this IPL season.
• In four IPL innings across 2025 and 2026, Bethell averages 25.25 with one half-century.
• Venkatesh Iyer has 556 runs in 22 IPL innings as opener, averaging 27.8 at a strike rate of 122.19.
• RCB bought Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore in the 2026 auction.
• Phil Salt, RCB's regular opener, is injured and unavailable.
• RCB have lost two of their last three matches after a 3-0 start.
• RCB's powerplay strike rate is 175, the highest in the league; GT's is 135.

Bethell's struggles leave Kohli without a reliable partner

Jacob Bethell's underwhelming returns have created a dilemma for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of their clash against the Gujarat Titans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The left-handed batter, brought in to replace the injured Phil Salt, has managed only 34 runs in two innings this season, failing to provide the explosive starts that defined RCB's title-winning campaign last year. Virat Kohli, in imperious form, has been left to anchor an innings without a stable opening foil. The franchise's management now faces a decision: persist with Bethell or turn to Venkatesh Iyer, a left-hander who has opened successfully for Kolkata Knight Riders in the past.

Venkatesh Iyer offers a proven opening option

Venkatesh Iyer, purchased for ₹7 crore in the 2026 auction, has played only one game this season, as an impact substitute after a flurry of wickets against Rajasthan Royals. In 22 IPL innings as an opener, he has scored 556 runs at an average of 27.8 and a strike rate of 122.19. At number three, his numbers improve markedly: 562 runs in 15 innings, averaging over 43 with a strike rate of 168.76. If promoted to open, Iyer could slot in alongside Kohli, allowing RCB to use the vacated overseas slot for Jacob Duffy, a bowler who impressed earlier in the season. The predicted XI in that scenario would include Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, and Suyash Sharma, with Venkatesh Iyer as impact sub.

Ashwin predicts a different change: dropping Romario Shepherd

Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested a different tactical shift. On his YouTube channel, the former India spinner predicted that RCB might drop all-rounder Romario Shepherd in favor of a specialist overseas batter or bowler. "I have a feeling that Romario Shepherd won't play. I have a feeling that they will go with Jacob Duffy, or a batter like Jacob Bethell," Ashwin said. Shepherd failed to defend 15 runs in the final over against Delhi Capitals in RCB's last home game, a defeat that snapped their early momentum. Ashwin backed RCB to bounce back against GT, citing the team's overall strength: "RCB are looking quite strong; they have the batting, and the bowling looks strong."

Powerplay dominance gives RCB an edge despite recent losses

RCB's powerplay numbers this season are the best in the league. They have a strike rate of 175 while batting in the first six overs, compared to Gujarat Titans' 135. The defending champions have hit 34 sixes in the powerplay, the most by any team; GT have managed just eight, the fewest. This aggressive start has been built around Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and captain Rajat Patidar. Salt's absence due to injury has disrupted that formula, but the top order remains formidable. Ashwin noted that even if wickets fall, RCB's batting depth can maintain pressure on the opposition.

Bethell's IPL record raises questions about his role

Jacob Bethell, despite his evident talent, has yet to make a mark in the Indian Premier League. In four innings across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, he has scored 101 runs at an average of 25.25, with a single half-century in the previous year. His strike rate of 168.33 is respectable, but the lack of consistency has made him a liability in a competition where margins are razor-thin. Aakash Chopra, the former India opener, has publicly warned that Bethell's returns are "not good enough." With Phil Salt's injury exposing the opening slot, Bethell's failures have become a focal point for RCB's recent struggles.

What's at stake for the defending champions

RCB started their title defence with three consecutive wins, but two defeats in their last three matches have prompted calls for change. The match against Gujarat Titans is their final home game of the season, and a loss could dent their playoff hopes. Ashwin expects RCB to win, but the selection call—whether to drop Bethell or Shepherd—will define the team's approach. "I want to see how Rashid Khan bowls in this game, because the last two games have been slightly under Rashid's standard," Ashwin added, hinting that GT's star spinner may be vulnerable. The outcome will test RCB's depth and the management's willingness to make bold decisions mid-season.

The bottom line

• Jacob Bethell's 34 runs in two innings have made him a candidate for omission as RCB seek a reliable opening partner for Virat Kohli.
• Venkatesh Iyer, with 556 runs in 22 IPL innings as opener, is the most likely replacement.
• Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted RCB may drop Romario Shepherd instead, bringing in Jacob Duffy or retaining Bethell.
• RCB's powerplay strike rate of 175 and 34 sixes are league-best, but Phil Salt's injury has exposed a weakness.
• The defending champions have lost two of their last three matches after a 3-0 start, raising pressure on the selection panel.
• The match against Gujarat Titans is RCB's final home game, with playoff implications riding on the result.