Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma recently faced criticisms after referring to Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as “unprofessional”. The comment came from the fact that Sooryavanshi is a 15-year-old who enjoys eating ice cream, watching cartoons, and engaging in typical teenage activities as well. While the comment caused a controversy on social media, Jitesh clarified during an RCB podcast that he said it because of their close bond and the reality of Sooryavanshi’s age as well.

Explaining that, Jitesh said, “He is a very good friend of mine. We are very close, and I can call him anything.”

However, the RCB batter originally commented during a conversation with franchise icon AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel as well.

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Jitesh revealed the full depth of that discussion: “AB asked, ‘Which youngster do you think could become an Indian star or player?’ My immediate answer was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. When he asked why, I pointed to his technique, mentality, and hard work. I told him that Vaibhav could dominate all three formats and that he looks very professional on the field. But in reality, he isn’t just that.”

“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,” he again stated.

“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 Sharma concluded.