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

Four years ago, when Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned ten, Jacob Bethell was making his domestic debut. By July 2026, Bethell—now 22 and two years into his international career—watched the 15‑year‑old Sooryavanshi step up to make his India debut.

The age gap—playing against a player seven years his junior—remains a striking reality for the 22‑year‑old, who says he is still processing the situation.

“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.

IT FEELS WEIRD – BETHELL SHOCKING STATEMENT ON VAIBHAV
Jacob Bethell said: It felt “weird” playing against someone seven years younger. He praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting, saying his swing is “pure” and called the teenage sensation an “unbelievable talent.” pic.twitter.com/ybX8AWuxoe

— Sam (@cricsam02) July 5, 2026

India handed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his international cap, and the 15‑year‑old instantly made history by becoming the youngest player to represent India, eclipsing the long‑standing record once held by Sachin Tendulkar.

Sooryavanshi came into the side as a replacement for Sanju Samson. After a brief innings, the teenager showcased his enormous talent, powering a 14‑run cameo that included two sixes, one of them a bold strike off Jofra Archer’s blistering pace.

India are still looking for their first T20I win since lifting the World Title in March. After a 0‑2 series loss to Ireland, the side led by Shreyas Iyer slipped to a four‑wicket defeat in the second T20I, despite posting a respectable total of 190/7.

England lead the five‑match series 1‑0, following the opening fixture being washed out. The third T20I is scheduled for Tuesday, 7 July, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise to the national team was propelled by a record‑breaking IPL 2026 season, where he scored 776 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 237.31, earning the Orange Cap.

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