Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Jacob Bethell was removed cheaply yet gains as he fell to Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar for just 11 runs off 7 deliveries at the IPL 2026 encounter between the sides
at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday.
Fans on social media expressed their disappointment with the Englishman’s sub-par showings this season.
One fan said,”Jacob Bethell has been extremely underwhelming this season. He has got enough chances on board, but he has failed badly every time. The star boy simply failed to live up to huge expectations. He never got going, that initial burst was missing & the strange part is that he had a fabulous T20 WC here where he almost did the unthinkable against us in the semis. Everything seems to be missing, lacking in his approach. Time is running out, may he fulfill his extraordinary potential for RCB soon”
Jacob Bethell has been extremely underwhelming this season. He has got enough chances on board, but he has failed badly every time. The star boy simply failed to live up to huge expectations.
He never got going, that initial burst was missing & the strange part is that he had a… pic.twitter.com/qzYsAv84Fe
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) May 17, 2026
Another fan said, “Jacob bethell can’t make an opening stand with Kohli against Punjab kings he ain’t a Starboy only Devdutt padikal is ”
Jacob bethell can’t make an opening stand with Kohli against Punjab kings he ain’t a Starboy only Devdutt padikal is #Ipl2026 #PBKSVRCB #RCBvPBKS #kohli pic.twitter.com/gxxgOSAuHM
— Lakshit (@strikeguy0072) May 17, 2026
One user noted, “8 matches – 8 failures. Jacob Bethell is clearly lacking confidence. No intent too. Always edges, hardly connects any shots. Man he doesn’t suit for opening role 8 matches << 100 runs (Avg < 15) Replace with Iyer or Cox in opening slot.”
8 matches – 8 failures.
Jacob Bethell is clearly lacking confidence. No intent too. Always edges, hardly connects any shots. Man he doesn’t suit for opening role
8 matches << 100 runs (Avg < 15)
Replace with Iyer or Cox in opening slot.#PBKSvsRCB
@RCBTweets@DineshKarthik https://t.co/63SRMQgbWX pic.twitter.com/l2OaLv6S9h— Praveen (@praveenIm) May 17, 2026
While another user added, “Jacob Bethell since he got the opportunity to open up in the absence of Phil Salt”
Jacob Bethell since he got the opportunity to open up in the absence of Phil Salt: pic.twitter.com/n6lSdsa68V
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 17, 2026
One user said, “Jacob Bethell once again failed to convert his start RCB needed a solid knock from him, but the struggle continues.”
Jacob Bethell once again failed to convert his start 💔
RCB needed a solid knock from him, but the struggle continues.— ANKIT 💙 (@ankibairwa999) May 17, 2026
RCB were put to bat by PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, who won the toss and was rewarded with the early wicket of Bethell, before Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli steadied the innings.
