Sources: 
Former England captain Mike Atherton has publicly supported Jacob Bethell's decision to exit the Indian Premier League (IPL) early, emphasizing the importance of his participation in international Test cricket.
Bethell, a promising batting all-rounder, was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 2.60 crore during the IPL mega auction. Despite making only two appearances in his maiden IPL season, opening alongside Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli and scoring a notable 55 against Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Atherton believes Bethell's development is better served by playing Test cricket.
"It was important to bring him back from the IPL," Atherton said, highlighting Bethell's status as a centrally-contracted player and the value of gaining experience in the longer format.
Atherton acknowledged the learning opportunities Bethell gained while in the IPL, particularly from spending time with Kohli, stating Bethell was "learning a lot by having breakfast with Virat Kohli." However, he stressed that the exposure to international Test cricket, such as the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, was crucial for Bethell's growth.
Bethell's early return to international cricket reflects a strategic decision prioritizing long-term development over short-term franchise exposure. This move underscores the balancing act young cricketers face between lucrative T20 leagues and traditional formats.
As Bethell continues to evolve, the guidance from experienced figures like Atherton and mentorship from players like Kohli will be instrumental in shaping his career trajectory.
This development also highlights the ongoing debate in cricket circles about managing young talent across formats to maximize their potential and impact on the sport.
Sources: Former England captain Mike Atherton supports Jacob Bethell's exit from the IPL, emphasizing the importance of his return for Test cricket despite valuable learning experiences with Virat Kohli. Bethell, who played two IPL matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was bought for Rs 2.60 crore in the mega auction.
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