Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has clarified his earlier comments referring to young Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as “unprofessional,” stating that his remark was taken out of context and was meant in a limited, off-field sense rather than as a criticism of the player’s cricketing ability.

The controversy stems from an earlier interview in which Jitesh, speaking on a YouTube show hosted by former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, commented on the teenage sensation’s lifestyle habits. His remarks quickly circulated on social media, prompting debate over whether they were unfairly harsh on one of the IPL’s most promising young talents.

Sooryavanshi, who represents Rajasthan Royals, has been one of the standout performers of the current IPL season. The 15-year-old has reportedly scored 404 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 237.65, including a century and two half-centuries, while also producing impactful performances against top bowling attacks. His rapid rise has made him one of the most talked-about emerging players in the league.

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In his clarification, Jitesh Sharma maintained that his use of the word “unprofessional” was not intended to question Sooryavanshi’s discipline on the field. Instead, he said it referred to the natural behaviour of a teenager still adjusting to the demands of elite sport, particularly off the field. He emphasised that his intention was to highlight the importance of gradual professional development rather than to criticise the player’s performances.

The RCB star also reiterated his respect for Sooryavanshi’s talent, noting that the youngster’s cricketing ability is not in doubt given his explosive batting displays this season. He added that managing young players involves guiding them through lifestyle adjustments as much as technical refinement, especially when they are exposed to intense public attention at an early age.

The clarification comes after the original comments gained renewed attention following Sooryavanshi’s strong performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the season, where he scored a rapid 78 off 26 balls. As the discussion continues, the incident has sparked broader debate around how experienced players should speak about rising stars in high-profile tournaments like the IPL.

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