England Newcomer Praises 'Unbelievable' Virat Kohli For Helping Him Out
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The legendary Indian batter had a lasting impression on the young Englishman during the latter's brief stint as a teammate for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
England's rising young star Jacob Bethell lauded the great Virat Kohli for acting as an inspiration for him during his brief stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. Bethell, who played two games for RCB at this year's season, said Kohli's interactions with him and the legend's approach to the game and his training regime gave him invaluable lessons and had a lasting impact on him.
Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket at the sidelines of England's limited-overs series against the West Indies on Tuesday, Bethell said time spent with Kohli on and off the field made him a better player. The Englishman earned a wealth of experience being around Kohli during RCB's practice sessions and also when the duo put on a fantastic partnership in the league stage encounter against the Chennai Super Kings.
'It's been great. (Virat) was unbelievable with helping me out, and even just the things he didn't say to me personally, but just watching how he goes about training and how he approaches things," Bethell said, summing up his admiration for Kohli's game and his approach in the middle, particularly during run-chases.
'Especially like chasing in a T20 game. That was unbelievable to watch and unbelievable to see first-hand, just how easily he can shift up and down the gears and can template an innings depending on what is needed," he added.
Stepping in for Phil Salt for the IPL 2025 game played on May 3, Bethell stitched an opening stand of 97 runs with Kohli. The elegant left-hander smashed 55 off 33 deliveries, including 8 fours and 2 sixes. Kohli retained his magnificent form during the clash against the Super Kings, producing a knock of 62 from 33 balls as RCB came out triumphant by two runs.
Kohli was at his vintage best in RCB's memorable campaign. The ace batter amassed 657 runs in 15 innings with eight half-centuries, finishing third in the Orange Cap race. But personal milestones would've barely mattered to Kohli, who was reduced to tears after RCB were finally crowned IPL champions for the first time. The popular franchise won the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad by six runs on June 3.
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