Jacob Bethell Discusses RCB's Mindset Ahead of Crucial Match Against Mumbai Indians

Jacob Bethell of Royal Challengers Bengaluru reflects on the team's mindset and his personal performance ahead of their crucial IPL match against Mumbai Indians. He highlights the positive influence of Virat Kohli in the dressing room, the team's transition to Raipur, and their determination to bounce back after recent losses. Bethell expresses his eagerness to contribute to the team's success and defends his decision to prioritize the IPL over domestic commitments, viewing it as a vital step in his career development. As RCB prepares for this significant clash, the focus remains on adapting quickly and delivering a strong performance.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 20:26 IST

RCB's Preparation for the Upcoming Clash

Jacob Bethell, a batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), shared insights on the team's mentality, his personal performance, and the overall confidence within the squad as they gear up for a significant match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur this Sunday. He expressed that batting alongside Virat Kohli is a unique experience, noting that Kohli's presence in the dressing room is more comforting than stressful. Bethell emphasized that having a player of Kohli's caliber allows teammates to play more freely, as much of the focus and pressure tends to be on the former Indian captain.

Kohli's Influence on Team Dynamics

"It's fantastic to bat with him and be part of the team alongside him. I don't feel any added pressure; rather, it's reassuring to have someone of his stature. Many spectators focus on him, which alleviates some pressure from the rest of us, allowing us to play more freely," Bethell remarked.

Transitioning to Raipur

Regarding RCB's shift from Bengaluru to Raipur, Bethell stated, "This feels like our second home now. We received a warm welcome at the hotel, and the transition has been smooth. Today's training is crucial as we need to adapt quickly. Although Mumbai has been here for a few days, I believe it won't significantly impact our performance. We are a confident team and will adjust well."

RCB, who played their initial five home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, will now host their remaining two IPL 2026 home games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur due to prior commitments.

Addressing Recent Losses

Reflecting on RCB's recent back-to-back losses, Bethell acknowledged, "We can't ignore the fact that we've lost two consecutive games. We've analyzed our performance and identified areas needing improvement. However, the focus now is on being ready for the first ball in the next match. If we can do that and adapt quickly, our best performance is strong enough to secure four points here."

Personal Goals and Contributions

Bethell also discussed his individual performance, admitting he hasn't started the tournament as well as he hoped. However, he remains focused on making a significant impact in the upcoming game. He expressed that his motivation stems from a desire to contribute to the team's success rather than worrying about his position in the lineup, stating, "I haven't had the start I wanted, but the only match that matters is the next one. I don't feel like I'm fighting for a spot; it's more about my eagerness to help the team win. It doesn't feel good not contributing, and I have a strong desire to deliver a match-winning performance tomorrow."

The Importance of IPL

On the topic of prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket, Bethell defended his choice, asserting that it is beneficial for his career. He described the IPL as the premier tournament featuring the best players globally and expressed confidence that this experience would aid his development rather than hinder it. "Everyone is entitled to their opinions, which is perfectly fine. From my perspective, I believe I've made the right choice. This is the marquee tournament of the year, showcasing many of the world's top cricketers. I don't think it will harm my career; in fact, I believe it will enhance it," he concluded.

Looking Ahead

As defending champions, RCB aims to recover from their recent defeats in the eagerly awaited match against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Raipur.