Jitesh Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Agency photo)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma has clarified the intent behind his comment calling Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi “unprofessional”, a line that led to a debate on social media.This statement originally came during a conversation with AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel, where Jitesh was asked to name a young Indian player with great potential. He immediately chose Sooryavanshi, praising his skill set and overall temperament.
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“I asked AB: Who is the young man who you think can become an Indian star or player?” That was my immediate answer
Vaibhav
Suryavanshi. When he asked why, I pointed to his attitude, mentality and hard work. I told him that Vaibhav can control all the three formats and he looks very professional on the field.
“But in reality, it’s not,” Geach said.Later, speaking on an RCB podcast, Gitesh clarified the context and emphasized the personal equation he shares with the 15-year-old. “He’s a very good friend of mine. We’re very close. I could call him anything,” he said.He also spoke about Sooryavanshi’s behavior off the field, describing him as a typical teenager who enjoys the simple things in life. “He’s a 15-year-old kid who loves ice cream.
He comes to my room and eats with me. I don’t eat it, but he does. If a child doesn’t want ice cream, what else will he do? He visits our house, talks to my wife and watches YouTube videos. We are very close, he is like my younger brother.
“In response to the backlash, Geach shrugged off the criticism and stressed that the young man should not be burdened with expectations beyond his age. “I don’t care what people say. There’s a lot of professionalism expected of him because he has to perform at this level, but he’s still only 15. Let the kid be a kid. When he’s with me, he can be himself because I don’t judge him. I tell him, ‘You’re only 15.’ Watch TV, eat whatever you want, and just focus on your hitting.
“He’s happy this way.”
