Jitesh Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Source: : AFP)
At just 15 years, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of cricket's most celebrated young talents, currently playing in IPL 2026 for the Rajasthan Royals. Whenever a player at this young age does well at such a big stage, his dedication, hardwork and professionalism are talked about.
However, recently, RCB star player Jitesh Sharma called Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 'Unprofessional'.
Jitesh Sharma's comment that sparked debate
Jitesh Sharma's remark first came during a conversation where he spoke candidly about young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with AB de Villiers. When discussing, he said the youngster is 'not professional.'
"He’s not professional. I can tell you that. Everyone is trying to get him to be professional, but I don’t think he will ever get professional. He may be on the field, but off the field, he won’t. I’m trying my best. I ask him not to have ice cream at night,” Jitesh Sharma added.
Jitesh Sharma defends his comment on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Jitesh Sharma has now explained that his words were taken out of context. Speaking with Mr.Nags about Sooryavanshi, he highlighted the youngster's off-field behaviour.
According to Jitesh, the teenager enjoys simple pleasures like eating ice cream at night, watching cartoons, and spending time casually with friends. He even joked about trying to stop him from eating ice cream late at night.
Also Read: Ravi Shastri Labels Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 51-Year-Old In IPL 2026
Jitesh made it clear that he deeply admires Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's discipline and skill on the field.
"He is a 15-year-old kid who loves ice cream. He comes to my room and eats it with me; I don't eat it, but he does. If a child doesn't want ice cream, what else would they have? He visits our house, speaks with my wife, and watches videos on YouTube. We are very close-he's like my younger brother." Jitesh said.
"I don't care what people say. There is a lot of professionalism expected of him because he has to perform at this level, but he is still only 15. Let a child be a child. When he is with me, he can be himself because I don't judge him. I tell him, 'You're only fifteen. Watch TV, eat whatever you want, and just focus on your batting.' He's happy that way." Jitesh added.
Watch the video here:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Stunning Rise in the IPL
While his off-field habits may be youthful, Sooryavanshi’s achievements are far beyond his age. He first made headlines at just 13 years old when he secured an IPL contract worth ₹1.1 crore.
A year later, he made a century in just 35 balls, becoming the youngest centurion in men's T20 cricket.
His 2025 IPL season was impressive, scoring 252 runs in just seven matches at a strike rate above 200.
But it is the IPL 2026 season where he has truly established himself as a star. In just 10 matches so far, he has scored 404 runs at a strike rate of 237.65, placing him among the top contenders for the Orange Cap.
Overall, in his IPL career, he has accumulated 656 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 224.65 and an average of 38.58.
Also Read: BCCI Set To Bow Down To MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Age Old Complaint?
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