Jitesh Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image Agency) Royal Challengers Bengaluru goalkeeper Jitesh Sharma has explained the intent of his comment describing Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as “unprofessional”, a line that has sparked debate on social media.The remark originally came during a chat with AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel, where Jitesh was asked to name a young Indian player with great potential. He immediately picked Sooryavanshi and praised his overall skills and temperament.
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Kumar Sangakkara on RR’s win over Punjab Kings“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 can dominate all the three formats and that he looks very professional on the field. But in reality he is not just like that,” said Jitesh.Later, speaking on the RCB podcast, Jitesh clarified the context and highlighted the personal equation he shares with the 15-year-old. “He’s a very good friend of mine. We’re very close and I can call him anything,” he said.He also opened up about Sooryavanshi’s behavior off the field and described him as a typical teenager who likes the simple things in life. “He’s a 15-year-old boy who loves ice cream. He comes to my room and eats it with me; I don’t eat it, but he does. If a kid doesn’t want ice cream, what else would he like? He visits our house, talks to my wife and watches YouTube videos. We’re very close – he’s like my little brother.”Responding to the backlash, Jitesh brushed off the criticism and emphasized that the youngster should not be burdened with expectations beyond his age. “I don’t care what people say. A lot of professionalism is expected of him because he has to perform at this level, but he’s still only 15. Let the kid be a kid. When he’s with me, he can be himself because I don’t judge him. I tell him, ‘You’re only 15. Watch TV, eat what you want and just focus on batting.’ That’s how happy he is.”
