Jitesh Sharma made headlines ahead of the start of the 2026 season when he remarked that 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is “not professional”. Jitesh’s remarks took cricketing discourse by storm, and he received heavy criticism for his words on the up-and-coming player.
With this being a major talking point, the Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi’s IPL team, posted a video indirectly defending their young star, while at the same time taking a subtle dig on Jitesh. Recorded on the Royals’ flight, the video shows RR’s content host speaking about how the youngster is highly professional, showing his behaviour and adherence to air travel rules.
“People say that Vaibhav is not a professional; let me show you how professional Vaibhav is. Look at this, the seat belt sign is off, even then, Vaibhav is wearing his seat belt. Vaibhav is so professional. Vaibhav, please show me your phone. Look at this, Vaibhav’s phone is also on aeroplane mode. Vaibhav follows all the rules. He is so professional. Proud of you brother,” the host in the video said.
Be like Vaibhav 💗😂 pic.twitter.com/CqVB5RzTnt
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 6, 2026
Jitesh Sharma’s endearing anecdote on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
“He’s not professional, that I can tell you. Everyone is trying to get him professional, but I don’t think he will ever get professional,” Jitesh had told AB de Villiers in a podcast. “He will be professional on the field, but off the field, he won’t. I’m trying my best, asking him not to eat ice cream at night.”
Meanwhile, after lighting up his debut season in 2025 with 252 runs at a blistering strike rate of 205.56, Sooryavanshi started the 2026 season with a 15-ball half-century, the third-fastest in the league, against the Chennai Super Kings. He then scored an 18-ball 31 against the Gujarat Titans, a more measured innings for his standards.
He scored the fastest century by an Indian batter in the IPL in 2025, when he smashed a 35-ball hundred against the Titans, and is expected to shatter records as his career progresses.
Speaking of his team, the Rajasthan Royals, who have won their opening two games, take on the Rajasthan Royals at the Barasapara Stadium in Guwahati on April 7.
