Jitesh Sharma came up with what could be seen as an explosive shot. In a podcast with AB de Villiers, wicketkeeper Vaibhav called Sooryavanshi “not a professional”. The context, it turns out, is much more endearing than alarming.
Ahead of the new Indian Premier League season, Jitesh gave a glimpse of what Sooryavanshi is like off the pitch. And honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a 15-year-old.
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“He is not a professional, I can tell you that. Everyone is trying to make him a professional, but I don’t think he will ever become a professional,” Jitesh told AB de Villiers.
“He will be a professional on the pitch but not off the pitch. I try my best and ask him not to eat ice cream at night,” he added.
More than just teammates
The two are no strangers to each other. Jitesh and Sooryavanshi shared a dressing room during their time with India A at the Rising Stars Asia Cup in November 2025. The experience clearly gave Jitesh a good insight into the teenager’s personality on and off the field.
Now they will both be on opposite sides. Sooryavanshi will turn out for Rajasthan Royals while Jitesh represents the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Big shoes to fill
It will be a challenging season for Sooryavanshi. After a breakthrough IPL campaign last year, the onus is on the teenage prodigy to prove that he is no one-season wonder.
Since then he has played the main role India U19 made a name for themselves in the World Cup when they scored a stunning 175 against England in the final. It was innings like this that reminded the world why he is regarded as one of cricket’s most exciting young talents.
But the Royals also parted ways with Sanju Samson, their longtime leader and face of the franchise. This adds another layer of responsibility Sooryavanshi is heading for a new season. He is expected to lift and carry the team in a way that goes beyond just scoring.
Craving for ice cream and all, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how the youngster handles it.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 23, 2026 5:58 PM IST
