India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma recently made headlines with a candid yet light-hearted remark about teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. While his comment about the youngster being “not professional” may have raised a few eyebrows, the context behind it paints a far more endearing picture.

Speaking ahead of IPL 2026 on a podcast hosted by AB de Villiers, Jitesh opened up about his experience of sharing a dressing room with the Samastipur-born prodigy. Rather than criticism, his words reflected the playful challenge of guiding a naturally gifted youngster who is still finding his way off the field.

“He’s not professional, that I can tell you,” Jitesh Sharma said with a smile. “Everyone is trying to get him professional, but I don’t think he will ever get professional. He will be professional on the field, but off the field, he won’t. I’m trying my best, asking him not to eat ice cream at night.”

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The remark highlights the contrast between Vaibhav’s extraordinary on-field discipline and his carefree personality off the field — something not uncommon among players his age.

The two previously shared the dressing room while representing India A at the 2025 Emerging Asia Cup. Although India A fell short in the final against Bangladesh A in a Super Over, Vaibhav emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. He amassed 234 runs in just four innings, including a breathtaking 144 off 42 balls against the UAE.

As IPL 2026 approaches, their paths will diverge. Vaibhav is set to represent the Rajasthan Royals, while Jitesh will continue with RCB as they look to defend their title.

Despite his age, Vaibhav has already built a reputation as one of India’s most exciting young talents. After smashing records last season — including the fastest IPL century by an Indian — expectations are sky-high. With the absence of senior figures like Sanju Samson, the spotlight will be firmly on the teenager to deliver consistently.

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Fresh off a sensational U-19 World Cup campaign, where he scored 439 runs and dominated the final with a stunning 175, Vaibhav now steps into IPL 2026 carrying both promise and pressure — and perhaps, a reminder to skip the late-night ice cream.