IPL 2026: RCB star Jitesh Sharma Clears Air on 'Unprofessional' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Remark

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier comment calling Rajasthan Royals (RR) teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi "unprofessional. "

The remark, made in a light-hearted conversation on AB de Villiers' YouTube podcast earlier in 2026, had sparked debate on social media after being taken out of context.

Jitesh recently clarified the statement during an RCB podcast, stressing that it stemmed from affection and the reality of Sooryavanshi being just 15 years old.

In the original podcast with AB de Villiers, Jitesh had said, "He's not professional, I can say that. People are trying to make him more disciplined, but I don't think that's something that will really change.

"

"He's professional when he's on the field, but off it, that's not really the case. I keep telling him to avoid things like eating ice cream late at night," the RCB player said.

Jitesh Sharma clears 'Unprofessional' Comment Row

The comment drew criticism from a section, especially after Sooryavanshi smashed 78 runs off 26 balls against RCB earlier in the IPL 2026 season.

"He is a very good friend of mine. We are very close, and I can call him anything," he said on the RCB podcast.

Jitesh recounted praising Sooryavanshi's potential when AB de Villiers asked about future Indian stars - "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," Sharma added.

"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 said.

Dismissing the backlash, Jitesh urged everyone to let the youngster enjoy 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. ' He's happy that way," Jitesh added in the RCB podcast.

The clarification has been widely appreciated for highlighting the importance of balancing talent with childhood, especially for a player like Sooryavanshi, who has already made waves in the IPL 2026 with explosive performances for RR.