Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has moved to quell a social media firestorm after his description of Rajasthan Royals (RR) prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as "unprofessional" was widely misinterpreted.
The remark, initially made during a conversation with cricket legend AB de Villiers on the latter's YouTube channel, referred to the 15-year-old's affinity for cartoons and ice cream-habits typical of a teenager but jarring within the rigid discipline of the Indian Premier League. Speaking on a recent RCB podcast, Jitesh clarified that the term was a lighthearted nod to their brotherly bond rather than a critique of the opener's dedication.
"He is a very good friend of mine," Jitesh said. "We are very close, and I can call him anything."
The Context of the Comment
The controversy began when de Villiers asked Jitesh to identify a young player with the potential to become a mainstay for the Indian national team. Jitesh immediately named Sooryavanshi, citing his exceptional technique and mental fortitude.
"I told [AB] that Vaibhav could dominate all three formats and that he looks very professional on the field," Jitesh recounted. "But in reality, he isn't just that."
The "unprofessional" label, Jitesh explained, pertains exclusively to Sooryavanshi's life away from the boundary ropes. The teenager, who has taken the 2026 season by storm with a century and a strike rate exceeding 230, reportedly spends his downtime engaging in activities far removed from the stoic lifestyle of a veteran athlete.
"He is a 15-year-old kid who loves ice cream," Jitesh noted. "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."
Defending the Youth
Despite the scrutiny on social media, Jitesh maintained that the sport's youngest star should not be forced to grow up prematurely. While Sooryavanshi is expected to maintain elite standards during matches-as evidenced by his recent 26-ball 78 against RCB-Jitesh argued that he deserves a sanctuary from the pressure of the professional circuit.
"I don't care what people say," Jitesh said. "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."
The veteran stumper added that he actively encourages the youngster to embrace his age when they are together. "When he is with me, he can be himself because I don't judge him," he said. "I tell him, 'You're only fifteen. Watch TV, eat whatever you want, and just focus on your batting.' He's happy that way."