Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Ice Cream Habit: RCB Star Jitesh Sharma on Why the Teenage Prodigy ‘Will Never Be a Professional’ Off the Field
As the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season nears its grand kickoff, all eyes are on Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At just 14, the prodigy made headlines last season by smashing his maiden IPL century, a feat that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. Since then, he has continued to dominate age-group cricket in India, cementing his place as one of the country’s most exciting young talents.
However, amidst the hype and praise, Jitesh Sharma, a star of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has sparked conversation with some playful yet pointed remarks about Vaibhav’s off-field habits. During a candid chat with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, Jitesh highlighted the contrast between Vaibhav’s on-field brilliance and his casual approach to discipline off the pitch.
On-Field Professionalism
De Villiers praised Vaibhav for his maturity and adherence to the game plan. “He’s incredibly mature for his age. He stuck to his game plan. He played the same way he did in the IPL. He didn’t try to be someone else. He wasn’t arrogant against the bowlers,” the cricketing legend said.
Jitesh agreed with this sentiment about Vaibhav’s talent but teased that the youngster’s off-field discipline leaves much to be desired. “He’s a great player, no doubt. I watched him during the Under-19s. It’s not always easy to maintain standards once you’ve tasted IPL and big-league cricket. But I was very impressed with how he played in the World Cup—very professional,” Jitesh said.
Off-Field Indulgences
Despite this, Jitesh wasn’t shy about sharing Vaibhav’s indulgent habits. “He’s not professional. I can tell you that,” he laughed. The RCB star revealed that, despite repeated advice, Vaibhav continues to sneak late-night ice cream. “Everyone is trying to get him to be professional, but I don’t think he ever will be, at least not off the field. On the field, maybe. I’m trying my best. I ask him not to have ice cream at night, but he never listens.”
This anecdote paints a picture of a young prodigy who is brilliant with a bat but still very much a teenager in his personal life—a combination that adds charm to his rapidly rising stardom.
The Road Ahead
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey highlights the delicate balance between youthful indulgence and professional discipline. While his on-field performance has already placed him among India’s top emerging cricketers, attention to fitness, diet, and overall lifestyle will play a crucial role as he takes the next step in his career.
At 14, Vaibhav is rewriting records, earning fans worldwide, and even drawing playful jabs from seasoned players like Jitesh Sharma. As the IPL 2026 season kicks off, it will be fascinating to see how this teenage sensation balances his ice cream nights with the enormous expectations that come with being one of cricket’s brightest young stars.
