Injury Concerns for England and RCB
England’s young spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Champions Trophy after injuring his left hamstring during the ongoing ODI series against India. The 21-year-old was ruled out of the second ODI in Cuttack on February 9, and the severity of his injury is yet to be determined.
His absence could be a big blow for England, who are preparing for the prestigious tournament. However, they are not the only ones concerned—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who signed Bethell for INR 2.6 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, will also be keeping a close eye on his recovery.
Hamstring Injuries: Recovery Time and Severity
Hamstring injuries can vary in severity, and the recovery time depends on the grade of the strain:
- Grade 1: Minor strain that can heal in a few days.
- Grade 2: More severe strain that takes weeks to recover.
- Grade 3: Complete tear that may require surgery and can take months to heal.
Until Bethell undergoes further assessment, England and RCB will remain on edge about his availability for upcoming tournaments.
Impressive Performance in the First ODI
Despite his injury, Bethell showcased his potential in the first ODI against India in Nagpur, scoring a solid 51 runs and taking one wicket in his three overs of left-arm spin. However, his performances in the preceding T20I series were not as remarkable, failing to make a significant impact across the three matches he played.
Bethell’s T20 Career Stats
Over his short but promising career, Bethell has played 63 T20 matches, amassing 1127 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 136.77. With the ball, he has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 26.9 and an economy rate of 7.65. His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset in any format.
RCB’s Growing Injury Concerns
RCB’s concerns don’t end with Bethell. The franchise is also dealing with the unavailability of Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a hip injury. Losing two key players before the IPL 2025 season could prove to be a major setback for the Bengaluru-based team.
England and RCB Await Updates
For now, both England and RCB will have to wait for further medical updates on Bethell’s injury. If it turns out to be a minor strain, he could return in time for the Champions Trophy and IPL. However, if it is a more severe injury, both teams might have to look for backup options.
Bethell’s potential absence would be a huge loss, but England and RCB fans will be hoping for a quick and smooth recovery for their young star.(online casino india)