Mumbai: Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, Jitesh Sharma made a candid—and humorous—remark about teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, suggesting the youngster still has work to do off the field despite his extraordinary talent.
The comment has added an interesting twist to the growing hype around the 14-year-old, who has already made headlines with his performances for Rajasthan Royals.
Teenage sensation grabbing headlines
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most exciting young prospects. The left-handed opener stunned fans last season by scoring a remarkable IPL century at just 14, instantly putting him on the global cricketing map.
Since then, he has continued his rise through age-group cricket, delivering consistent performances and reinforcing his reputation as a future star.
AB de Villiers praises maturity
During a conversation on his YouTube channel, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers was full of praise for Vaibhav’s on-field temperament and maturity.
De Villiers highlighted how the youngster stuck to his game plan and showed composure beyond his years, particularly in high-pressure situations.
“He’s incredibly mature for his age,” de Villiers noted, adding that Vaibhav’s ability to remain grounded and disciplined in matches stood out.
Jitesh’s playful but pointed take
While agreeing about Vaibhav’s cricketing ability, Jitesh Sharma offered a contrasting perspective—focusing on the youngster’s off-field habits.
“He’s not professional. I can tell you that,” Jitesh said jokingly, revealing that the young batter often ignores advice regarding discipline.
According to Jitesh, Vaibhav has a fondness for late-night ice cream, even when advised against it—a light-hearted anecdote that quickly caught attention.
“I ask him not to have ice cream at night, but he never listens,” he added with a laugh.
Talent vs discipline debate
Jitesh’s remarks, though made in jest, underline a broader point about the importance of discipline in professional sport. While raw talent can propel a player to early success, long-term consistency often depends on fitness, diet, and lifestyle choices.
Vaibhav’s case presents a classic contrast—exceptional on-field performance paired with the natural exuberance of youth off the field.
A journey still unfolding
At just 14, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey is only beginning. Experts widely believe that with the right guidance and structure, he has the potential to become a mainstay in Indian cricket for years to come.
The upcoming IPL season will be another crucial step in his development, offering him a bigger stage and tougher competition.
Conclusion
Jitesh Sharma’s remarks may have been light-hearted, but they highlight an important aspect of a young athlete’s growth. As Vaibhav continues to shine with the bat, balancing talent with discipline will be key to unlocking his full potential.
For now, the teenager remains one of the most exciting stories heading into IPL 2026—ice cream habits and all.