When people want to watch you play, it’s a privilege – Jacob Bethell on his fandom in India

In the IPL 2025 mega-auction, RCB signed England’s young sensation, Jacob Bethell, for INR 2.6 crore. With the growing hype around the youngster, he took time to settle in. Eventually, by the time he got going and played his first game, RCB were cruising at jet speed. In his very second game for RCB, Bethell smashed a scintillating half-century.

Later, with a resounding performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Bethell hogged the limelight and had Indian fans on edge with that very special innings he played during the semi-final against the Men in Blue.

Speaking on the latest episode of RCB Bold Diaries, Bethell revealed how it all started for him. He also opened up on how he has been in the limelight ever since he joined RCB.

Reflecting on his journey, Bethell said, “I grew up in Barbados, always with a bat and ball. Around 10–12, I started taking it seriously. I moved to England for school, progressed to Warwickshire, and signed my first contract in 2021. A stress fracture set me back, but I came back strong, earned an England call-up, and then arrived in Bengaluru.”

Adding further, he talked about how he adjusted himself to the limelight that surrounds him, stating, “The limelight is a funny thing, life is still the same, but when people want to watch you play, it’s a privilege. I don’t know how many people in India would be calling me Starboy. It’s pretty incredible.”