Samastipur: India’s Class 10 board examinations began this week, bringing with them the familiar stress and anticipation felt by millions of students across the country. But this year, one name has stood out for a very different reason. Young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi did not appear for his first paper, mathematics, on the opening day of the CBSE exams. The absence immediately became a talking point, as the teenager is already known for his rising profile in Indian cricket and is seen as a promising talent for the future.
The examination was scheduled to take place at Poddar International School, where Vaibhav is enrolled. According to the school’s principal, NK Sinha, the student was marked “absent” as per the rules of the Central Board of Secondary Education. He said that no formal request or official information had been submitted by Vaibhav or his family before the exam day. The principal added that the school could only follow the board’s guidelines and had no authority to make exceptions without proper approval.
Vaibhav’s family later explained that his demanding cricket schedule was the main reason behind his absence. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, said that his son is currently busy with matches, training sessions and travel, which left him with little time to prepare for the board exams. The family also raised concerns about safety, saying that large crowds of fans and fellow players at the exam centre could create unnecessary risks for the young cricketer.
The school administration, however, remains hopeful that Vaibhav will appear for his upcoming papers. Teachers and staff believe that with the right coordination, he may still be able to balance both his studies and sporting career. The incident has started a wider discussion across the country about how young athletes can be supported in their education while pursuing professional sports. For many, Vaibhav’s story reflects the difficult choices faced by students who achieve success at a very young age.
