'Never heard a sound that loud': Bethell recalls Chinnaswamy roar for Kohli

England's Jacob Bethell described being stunned by the volume in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after he opened the batting alongside Virat Kohli. "Never heard a sound that loud", Bethell said.

Bethell, who spent time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, called the experience of batting with Kohli unforgettable and said the intensity of the crowd at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium left a strong impression. He characterized Kohli as "a very chilled individual off the cricket field" and identified his stint with the franchise as a major highlight of his career. During his tenure with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bethell said he gained valuable experience and worked on improving his game.

The young England batter spoke about the unique pressure and energy that accompany playing in front of a packed Bengaluru crowd, noting that the noise was unlike anything he had encountered before. Sharing the top of the order with an established player like Virat Kohli gave Bethell exposure to high-level match situations and the environment surrounding them. He emphasized how the stadium atmosphere contributed to the occasion and how memorable the moments felt.

On Kohli's off-field demeanour, Bethell used brief but clear language to convey his comfort around the Indian captain. Describing Kohli as "a very chilled individual off the cricket field," Bethell highlighted that Kohli's approachable nature made the experience less daunting. That personal side, Bethell indicated, complemented the professional example Kohli set on the field.

Reflecting on his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bethell framed the spell as instrumental in his development as a cricketer. He pointed to the opportunity to train and play alongside senior international performers as a learning curve that helped refine his approach. The environment at the franchise, combined with match exposure at venues such as M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, contributed to his growth.

Bethell summed up the period as a meaningful chapter in his early career, noting both the unforgettable moments in the stands and the practical gains from his RCB tenure. The combination of elite company, intense crowds and on-field opportunities, he said, provided experience that aided his improvement.