Top 5 Potential Replacements for Injured Jacob Bethell in RCB Squad for IPL 2025

England has been dealt a significant setback with young all-rounder Jacob Bethell being ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by Jos Buttler.

This injury is a blow for England and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who secured Bethell for ₹2.60 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Adding to their woes, RCB is already uncertain about Josh Hazlewood’s availability as the Australian pacer continues recovering from a side strain.

With IPL 2025 approaching, Bethell’s absence could impact RCB’s squad balance—and even IPL betting odds. As the franchise scrambles for a replacement, let’s look at five potential players who could fill the void and strengthen RCB’s chances this season-

1. Johnny Bairstow

A seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket, Johnny Bairstow could be an ideal pick for RCB. Known for his explosive starts, Bairstow can dominate bowlers from the very first over.

Despite his impressive IPL record—1,589 runs in 50 matches at an average of 34.54 with a strike rate exceeding 140—he surprisingly went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction after being released by Punjab Kings. Given RCB’s need for a reliable top-order batter, Bairstow could be a strong contender for the spot.

2. Dewald Brevis

Dubbed “Baby AB” for his 360-degree shot-making ability, Dewald Brevis is another exciting option for RCB. Mumbai Indians released the young South Africans and, surprisingly, found no takers in the IPL 2025 auction.

However, his recent form in SA20 2025 speaks volumes about his talent. Brevis amassed 291 runs in 12 matches at an average of nearly 50. His aggressive batting style could perfectly complement RCB’s high-scoring home conditions in Bengaluru.

3. Mitchell Owen

Mitchell Owen has been a standout performer in recent T20 competitions and could be a like-for-like replacement for Jacob Bethell. The left-handed batter shot to fame after a stunning match-winning century in the Big Bash League final against Sydney Thunder.

His numbers are equally impressive—452 runs in just 11 games at an average of 45.20, with a staggering strike rate above 200. Owen’s fearless batting could give RCB the firepower they need in the middle order.

4. Lhuan-dre Pretorius

Lhuan-dre Pretorius made headlines in the SA20 2025 tournament, finishing as the competition’s leading run-scorer with 397 runs at an average of around 34. His ability to thrive in high-pressure situations makes him a strong candidate for RCB.

Given Bengaluru’s batting-friendly conditions, Pretorius could be a valuable addition to the squad, offering both consistency and the ability to accelerate when needed.

5. Kane Williamson

A proven match-winner and one of the finest batters in world cricket, Kane Williamson could be an excellent choice to bolster RCB’s middle order. The experienced New Zealander went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, but his ability to anchor an innings could be a game-changer for RCB.

With Virat Kohli already opening the innings, Williamson’s presence could add stability, allowing other batters to play freely. His ability to absorb pressure and steer the team through crunch moments makes him a top-tier option.

RCB must act quickly to find a suitable replacement for Jacob Bethell before IPL 2025 kicks off. Whether they opt for an explosive hitter like Bairstow or Brevis, a steady performer like Williamson, or an in-form star like Owen or Pretorius, their decision could significantly impact their campaign.

Relevant news