Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma cleared his stance on his ‘unprofessional’ remark at RR prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. In a podcast with former cricketer AB de Villiers, Sharma commented on Sooryavanshi and said that he is ‘not a professional.’ However, the reason behind his statement was more endearing than alarming. The 32-year-old shared a glimpse of what the youngest batting sensation is like off the field.

"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. 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," Sharma told Mr. 360. However, his comments were perceived in a negative way, and now the RCB cricketer has come forward to give clarity on the same.

In the latest episode of RCB Insider Show with Mr. Nags, Sharma revealed why he called Sooryavanshi unprofessional. He said that since the RR star is 15-years-old, he doesn’t need to behave professionally at such an age. "Vaibhav Suryavanshi is very close to me. He comes to my home, talks with my wife, watches TV and eats ice cream. I told him unprofessional because he doesn't need to be professional at the age of 15. He's a kid and shall enjoy ice cream and watch TV”, Sharma told Mr. Nags.

Jitesh Sharma calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his ‘younger brother’

The RCB cricketer went into the depth of the conversation and revealed that the Proteas legend had asked him who he thinks could become an Indian star. Sharma said, “My immediate answer was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. When he asked why, I pointed to his technique, mentality, and hard work. I told him that Vaibhav could dominate all three formats and that he looks very professional on the field. But in reality, he isn't just that."

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Calling the 15-year-old his younger brother, Sharma also revealed what he feels about the social media backlash that he had to face due to his remarks. He stated that he doesn’t care about what people say and that there is a lot of professionalism in him. Not only this, but Sharma also stated that with him, Sooryavanshi can be himself because he doesn’t judge him.

"I don't care what people say. There is a lot of professionalism expected of him because he has to perform at this level, but he is still only 15. Let a child be a child. When he is with me, he can be himself because I don't judge him. I tell him, 'You're only fifteen. Watch TV, eat whatever you want, and just focus on your batting.' He's happy that way,” Sharma concluded.