Jitesh Sharma Clarifies ‘Unprofessional’ Remark About Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The ‘Unprofessional’ Controversy Explained

In the high-pressure world of the Indian Premier League, the spotlight often shines brightest on the youngest stars. At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL 2026 season by storm as a standout talent for the Rajasthan Royals. However, a recent comment from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Jitesh Sharma caused quite a stir when he labeled the youngster ‘unprofessional.’

The remark, initially made during a candid conversation with legendary cricketer AB de Villiers, led to immediate speculation among fans and pundits. Jitesh had noted, ‘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.’

A Big Brother’s Perspective

It did not take long for the context behind these words to emerge. Speaking with Mr. Nags, Jitesh Sharma clarified that his comments were intended to highlight the importance of allowing a teenager to enjoy his childhood, rather than a critique of the boy’s work ethic. For Jitesh, the ‘unprofessionalism’ was simply a case of a 15-year-old enjoying ice cream, watching cartoons, and hanging out with friends.

‘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,’ Jitesh explained. ‘If a child doesn’t want ice cream, what else would they have? We are very close—he’s like my younger brother.’

Letting the Child be a Child

Jitesh emphasized that while the demands of professional cricket are immense, the burden of expectation should not strip a player of his youth. ‘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.’

The Meteoric Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

While the off-field discussions focus on ice cream and cartoons, Sooryavanshi’s on-field statistics prove that he is anything but a typical teenager. His trajectory in professional cricket has been nothing short of historic:

• Early Promise: Secured an IPL contract worth ₹1.1 crore at just 13 years old.
• Record-Breaking Feat: Became the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket after smashing a century in just 35 balls.
• IPL 2025 Performance: Scored 252 runs in seven matches with a blistering strike rate exceeding 200.
• IPL 2026 Dominance: Currently one of the top contenders for the Orange Cap, amassing 404 runs in just 10 matches at a strike rate of 237.65.

Across his young career, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has accumulated 656 runs in 17 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 38.58 and a strike rate of 224.65. These numbers confirm that despite his ‘unprofessional’ love for late-night snacks, he is undeniably one of the most dedicated and talented prospects in modern cricket.

By championing a balanced approach to the sport, Jitesh Sharma has not only mentored a rising star but has also reminded the cricketing fraternity that even the most elite athletes are human beings who need space to grow. As Sooryavanshi continues his ascent, it is clear that the support system around him, including senior players like Jitesh, is playing a vital role in his success.