Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has clarified the context behind his earlier comments on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, explaining that his remarks were rooted in a close personal relationship after a conversation on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel drew widespread attention.
Clarification on relationship and initial assessment
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Sharma said, “He is a very good friend of mine. We are very close, and I can call him anything.” He added, “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 could dominate all three formats and that he looks very professional on the field. But in reality, he isn’t just that.”
Jitesh Sharma clarifies his previous statement about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi! pic.twitter.com/iAlHYg2KUG
— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) May 3, 2026
Sooryavanshi’s performances in IPL 2026 have reinforced that view, with the 15-year-old delivering consistent returns across 10 innings. He has averaged 40.4 with a strike rate of 237.6 — the second-highest in the tournament — while recording a highest score of 103 along with two half-centuries. His tally of 37 sixes is the most in the competition this season, underlining his aggressive approach and placing him among the standout performers.
Context behind original remark on AB de Villiers’ channel
Sharma further explained the thinking behind his earlier statement, saying on the RCB Podcast, “AB then said ‘he looks very professional’, I replied ‘no he is not professional’. He is a 15-year 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 eat ice cream, what else will 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.”
The original remark that sparked the reaction came during his appearance on de Villiers’ YouTube channel, where Sharma said, “He’s not professional. I can tell you that. Everyone is trying to get him to be professional, but I don’t think he will ever get professional. He may be on the field, but off the field, he won’t. I’m trying my best. I ask him not to have ice-cream in the night.”
Response to backlash and expectations
Addressing the reaction to his comments, Sharma said, “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.”
He added, “I tell him, ‘You’re only fifteen. Watch TV, eat whatever you want, and just focus on your batting.’ He’s happy that way.”
