Jitesh Sharma has moved quickly to clarify his much-discussed “unprofessional” remark about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting his comments were taken out of context during IPL 2026. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter explained that his statement was never meant as criticism, but rather a light-hearted reference to Sooryavanshi’s age and personality off the field.
The original comment, made during a conversation with AB de Villiers, resurfaced after the Rajasthan Royals youngster delivered a stunning 78 off 28 balls against RCB earlier this season. That innings sparked backlash from fans, who used Jitesh’s remark to question his own performances.
Addressing the controversy, Jitesh Sharma made it clear that his bond with the 15-year-old goes beyond cricket. “He’s a very close friend of mine, so I can call him anything,” Jitesh said during a chat on RCB’s social media with Mr. Nags. He revealed that when asked to name a future star, he immediately picked Sooryavanshi due to his technique and work ethic.
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Jitesh further explained that his “not professional” comment was purely about the teenager’s off-field behaviour. “He’s just a kid. He loves ice cream, comes to my house, chats with my family—we watch TV and YouTube together. He’s like a younger brother,” he added, offering a more personal glimpse into their relationship.
Importantly, Jitesh Sharma emphasised that Sooryavanshi’s on-field professionalism is not in doubt. “There’s a lot of professionalism in him. But off the field, he’s still that young boy, and that’s completely normal,” he clarified.
Jitesh Sharma clarifies his previous statement about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi! pic.twitter.com/iAlHYg2KUG
— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) May 3, 2026
Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi continues to justify the hype for the Rajasthan Royals. Since breaking onto the scene in IPL 2025, the Bihar-born batter has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the tournament. Across two seasons, he has scored 656 runs in 17 matches at an astonishing strike rate of over 224.
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In IPL 2026 alone, he has amassed 404 runs in 10 matches, striking at over 237, including two fifties and a century. His fearless approach has already caught the attention of former cricketers, with many calling for his fast-tracked inclusion in India’s senior setup.
As Rajasthan Royals push for a strong finish this season, the spotlight remains firmly on Sooryavanshi—not just for his performances, but also for the growing buzz around his future in Indian cricket.
