ENG vs IND 2026: ‘Feels weird’ – Jacob Bethell reacts to facing 15-year-old India debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Just four years ago, when Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had only just turned 10, Jacob Bethell was making his professional debut in domestic cricket. Fast forward to July 2026, and Bethell, now 22 and only two years into his international career, found himself watching the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi walk out to make his India debut.

The realisation that he was playing against someone seven years younger, despite being only 22 himself, is still something Bethell is coming to terms with.

“Yeah, it feels weird to say that I am playing against someone seven years younger than me. I have watched him bat in India, watched him today – the swing and everything is pure. So, he’s an unbelievable talent,” said Bethell to reporters after Manchester’s win.

India finally handed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his international debut, and the teenage sensation immediately created history by becoming the youngest player ever to represent India at the international level, surpassing the record long associated with Sachin Tendulkar.

Sooryavanshi replaced Sanju Samson in the playing XI. Although his stay at the crease was brief, the 15-year-old offered a glimpse of his immense potential by smashing two sixes in a 14-run cameo, including a fearless hit off the express pace of Jofra Archer.

Meanwhile, India are still searching for their first T20I victory since successfully defending their world title earlier this year in March. After a 0-2 defeat to Ireland, the Shreyas Iyer-led side suffered a four-wicket loss to England in the second T20I despite posting a competitive 190/7.

England now lead the five-match series 1-0 after the opening game was washed out by rain. The third T20I will be played on Tuesday, July 7, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

Sooryavanshi’s rapid elevation to the national side came on the back of a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, in which he amassed 776 runs in just 14 innings at a staggering strike rate of 237.31 to win the Orange Cap.