IPL 2026: ‘Unprofessional because…’- Jitesh Sharma clarifies old comment on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s wicket-keeper batter, Jitesh Sharma, recently triggered a controversy during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after he referred to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as ‘unprofessional.’ The remark didn’t go well for the long list of fans for the 15-year-old, who has broken several records in such a short time.

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Sooryavanshi is currently the fourth leading run-getter of the IPL 2026, having collected 404 runs in 10 innings at an average of 40.40 and a strike rate of 237.64, thanks to two fifties and the best score of 103 runs. 

Jitesh Sharma opens up on calling Sooryavanshi unprofessional

Jitesh Sharma clarified the context of the comment by pointing out that it was Ab de Villiers, during a podcast, who asked him to reveal a youngster who could become the greatest player of the country in the future.

“He is a very good friend of mine. We are very close, and I can call him anything. 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.” Jitesh expressed in a recent video on RCB.

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“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 informed in the same video. 

The Baroda batter also opened up on how there would be no need to be professional for a 15-year-old, who should be free-flowing with the bat and approach, along with his skills.

“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.” The 32-year-old of the Rajasthan Royals highlighted.

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It hasn’t been a strong season, though, for the Maharashtra-born, who managed only 63 runs in seven innings of the IPL 2026 at an average of just nine.

Fans react to Jitesh’s clarification on calling Sooryavanshi unprofessional

Here is how the fans have reacted to the clarification of the RCB wicket-keeper-