The father of India's teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his son's absence from the CBSE Class 10 board examinations, emphasizing that cricket remains the young prodigy's immediate priority. Sanjeev Sooryavanshi confirmed that Vaibhav, who turns heads with his explosive performances, will not appear for the exams this year due to his demanding training and preparation schedule. The decision followed discussions with school authorities, prioritizing the 14-year-old's burgeoning career over academics for now.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a left-handed batting star from Tajpur in Bihar, was marked absent on the first day of the CBSE Class 10 exams, which began on February 17 and run until March 11. Despite having completed formalities—including form submission, admit card issuance, and assignment to Podar International School as his exam center—he did not appear. School principal NK Sinha stated that the student was marked absent per CBSE policy, noting expectations that he might have been occupied with cricket practice or commitments, and expressing hope that he would take the exams in the future.

The absence comes shortly after Vaibhav's standout role in India's victory at the U-19 World Cup 2026, where he delivered a record-breaking 175 runs off just 80 balls in the final against England, contributing significantly to the team's title win. His performances in the tournament, including a rapid 68 in the semi-final, have elevated his profile, drawing attention from franchises like Rajasthan Royals, with whom he has joined pre-season preparations in Nagpur ahead of IPL 2026.

Also Read: U19 World Cup Star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sits for Class 10 Boards Before IPL Debut

Sanjeev Sooryavanshi has previously shared insights into his son's mindset, including setting high standards such as considering true greatness only after Test cricket success. In the context of the exams, reports indicate the family and school agreed that constant travel for camps and tournaments made focused preparation unfeasible, leading to the choice to defer academics. Vaibhav's coach has also confirmed his full focus on IPL commitments, underscoring cricket's dominance in the teenager's current life.

This situation highlights the challenges young athletes face in balancing education and elite sports in India, where early success can accelerate professional paths but often requires tough trade-offs. Vaibhav, already a celebrated U-19 World Cup winner, is expected to reattempt his Class 10 exams next year while continuing to build his career in domestic and potentially international cricket.

The episode has sparked discussions on social media and among fans about the value of education versus sporting pursuits for prodigies, with many supporting the decision given Vaibhav's extraordinary talent and trajectory in the sport.

Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Headlines ICC Under-19 Team Of The Tournament