“He’s not professional… at least off the field,” says Jitesh Sharma, leaving fans both amused and curious about rising Rajasthan Royals star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi just ahead of IPL 2026. The young batter’s late-night indulgences have gone viral, but what does it reveal about the teen sensation poised to take center stage?
⚡ Fast Facts
- Jitesh Sharma calls 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi “not professional off the field” in a podcast with AB de Villiers.
- Sooryavanshi excelled in the U19 World Cup, scoring 175 in the final against England.
- IPL 2026 will see him carry bigger responsibility after Sanju Samson’s exit from Rajasthan Royals.
- Jitesh Sharma and Sooryavanshi have shared dressing rooms during the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025.
- Off-field habits, like late-night ice cream, are part of the teen prodigy’s personality.
30-Second Quick Gist
- Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi draws attention not just for cricket but his personality.
- Jitesh Sharma calls out his off-field unprofessionalism in a humorous, light-hearted take.
- Royals are in transition; Sooryavanshi’s role is set to expand.
- IPL 2026 will test his consistency after a stellar debut and U19 success.
What Happened
In a candid podcast with AB de Villiers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma revealed the quirky side of Rajasthan Royals’ rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. While on-field discipline is sharp, off the field, the 15-year-old has habits that Jitesh jokingly flags, like enjoying ice cream late at night.
“People are trying to make him more disciplined, but I don’t think that’s something that will really change,” Jitesh said.
The duo bonded during India A’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, giving Sharma a close look at Sooryavanshi’s temperament and approach to cricket and life.
Why It Matters
Sooryavanshi is no ordinary teen. Already a U19 World Cup hero, his innings of 175 against England in the final cemented his status as a global prodigy. With Sanju Samson departing Rajasthan Royals, the young batter faces the dual challenge of performing consistently while shouldering more responsibility.
For fans and analysts, his personality insights add a human dimension to cricket coverage, showing that even rising stars have relatable teenage quirks.
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Industry Impact
Rajasthan Royals is entering a transition phase, reshaping its team identity post-Samson. The IPL 2026 spotlight on Sooryavanshi may also influence franchise strategies, media narratives, and even sponsorship visibility for teen talents in India’s premier cricket league.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 15 years |
| IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals |
| Role | Top-order batter |
| Major Achievement | 175 in U19 World Cup Final |
| Upcoming Challenge | Lead batting role post-Samson exit |
Expert Insights
Analysts suggest that while off-field habits might appear unprofessional, the critical factor remains on-field performance. Sharma’s playful critique highlights a common tension in grooming young athletes: balancing personality freedom with professional expectations.
Some industry insiders see this as a positive sign, reflecting a healthy environment where talent is nurtured without stifling individuality.
Contrarian View
Critics argue that publicly calling out unprofessional behavior, even humorously, may increase media scrutiny and pressure on teenage players. It opens debate on how franchises manage prodigies under IPL’s intense spotlight, particularly in a season packed with expectations and financial stakes.
What Happens Next
- Watch Sooryavanshi’s performance consistency during IPL 2026.
- Observe how Rajasthan Royals adjusts its leadership post-Samson.
- See whether off-field habits impact player fitness, media attention, or marketability.
The teen prodigy’s journey will be a key storyline, blending on-field fireworks with off-field curiosity for fans and analysts alike.
FAQs
Why did Jitesh Sharma call Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unprofessional?
Sharma highlighted that while Sooryavanshi is disciplined on the field, off-field habits like late-night ice cream suggest he’s a typical 15-year-old rather than strictly professional.
What impact could this have on IPL 2026?
Sooryavanshi faces added responsibility after Sanju Samson’s departure. His performance and consistency will be closely watched, shaping both team outcomes and his rising star profile.
What should fans watch next?
Track his batting in IPL 2026, his leadership role in Royals’ transition, and how he balances teenage habits with professional cricket demands.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified statements from Jitesh Sharma and published reports by V.M. Suriya Narayanan on Crictoday. No outcomes or events were fabricated; analysis is based on available information.