A while back, star England all-rounder Jacob Bethell had responded to the former England skipper Alastair Cook on his controversial remarks about the all-rounder’s repeated snub in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The defending champions have yet to use Bethell in this edition so far. Cook remarked that he was unhappy that Bethell was being continuously benched without any opportunity. Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket podcast, Cook had said: “Bethell shouldn’t really be it because he’s not opening. He’s sitting on his arse at the IPL, not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England.” Bethell replied calmly to Cook's criticism about his lack of playing time with RCB in IPL 2026 during his appearance on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. Bethell had said: "I don't think there's a right or wrong way to do it. I think we've seen last year, for me personally, that by not playing cricket for a little while, I came into the end of that India series a bit undercooked, which was a learning for me to take on board." Also Read: Will Kevin Pietersen Join CSK as Mentor in IPL 2026 After Their Disastrous Start? Know Why However, Kevin Pietersen has now come forward to support the decision of Jacob Bethell to stay in India with the RCB franchise and learn from other big players. He further added that Cook misunderstands the value of being part of the IPL. On his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Kevin Pietersen posted: "Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. What's it's like to always be around the best players in the world. So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn't matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you're not playing, you're learning and will be a way better player.” When an X user named Nick King came in support of Alastair Cook and asked how anyone can learn something without playing a game. Kevin Pietersen further explained that players can still learn many things by training with the top professionals around the world. He further added: "By practicing with the best players in the world. By watching very closely the best players in the world. By speaking to the best coaches in the world. By building lifelong friendships with the best players in the world. By acquainting himself with India so that whenever he tours India, it's easier for him. If you think playing a county game in Derby in April is better for his development, I can't help.”