Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma recently shared some candid insights into the rising sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing the youngster as a player who naturally bats in 'sixth gear'. While praising Vaibhav’s batting prowess on the field, Jitesh lightheartedly noted that the 14-year-old has yet to embrace a fully professional lifestyle away from the game. He revealed that despite his own advice, Vaibhav often indulges in late-night ice cream.
Jitesh Sharma calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unprofessional
Vaibhav, who celebrates his 15th birthday March 27, returns to Rajasthan Royals (RR) with an incredibly decorated resume for his age. Since making waves with a 35-ball IPL century in the previous edition, he has delivered standout performances in Australia, South Africa, and England, eventually playing a key role in lifting the Under-19 World Cup. However, his meteoric rise brings new pressure, as opposing bowlers have reportedly begun meticulously studying his game to exploit any potential weaknesses.
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Despite his concerns about the boy’s off-field habits, Jitesh remains a massive believer in Vaibhav’s raw potential. Having captained him during the India A Asia Cup last year, Jitesh went as far as to say he would 'invest a million dollars' in the prodigy. He did, however, maintain his stance during a discussion with AB de Villiers, suggesting that while Vaibhav is a generational talent with the bat, he may always retain a somewhat non-traditional, less "professional" approach to his life outside the stadium.
“Right now, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I feel he can dominate world cricket. He has gear No. 6 and a very good set of skills," Jitesh told De Villiers during their interaction.
“He (Vaibhav) is 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 would not. I ask him not to have ice-cream in the night," he added.
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Litmus test for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026
However, despite firing in the last season, IPL 2026 will be a litmus test for Sooryavanshi. Following his explosive breakthrough in the previous IPL, the teenage prodigy now faces the sophomore slump challenge, with the pressure firmly on him to prove that his initial success was not merely a flash in the pan. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain his high-octane scoring consistency as opposition bowlers begin to decode his technique.
Sooryavanshi enters the tournament with massive momentum, having recently anchored the India U19 side to a dominant World Cup victory. His crowning achievement was a masterful 175 in the final against England, a knock that combined raw power with big-match temperament. That performance served as a definitive reminder to the global cricketing community of why he is currently ranked among the most electrifying young talents in the sport.
However, the dynamics at Rajasthan Royals have shifted dramatically following the departure of Sanju Samson, the long-time captain and franchise icon. This leadership void places an additional burden on Sooryavanshi’s young shoulders.