Patna/New Delhi: Bihar’s teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi will miss his team’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match after being selected for the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, officials from the Bihar Cricket Association said on Monday.
The 14-year-old has been asked to report to New Delhi for the award ceremony, where the country’s highest civilian honour for children will be presented to achievers from across disciplines, including sports. Suryavanshi’s selection comes in recognition of his rapid rise in domestic cricket and his performances against senior opposition this season.
Following the ceremony, Suryavanshi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in keeping with the tradition associated with the award.
The youngster’s absence is expected to weaken Bihar’s line-up for the Vijay Hazare fixture, as he has been one of the team’s most consistent run-scorers in the tournament so far. He grabbed national attention with a commanding 190-run innings in Bihar’s opening match, one of the highest scores by a player of his age in List A cricket.
Officials said the decision to release him for the ceremony was unanimous, given the importance of the honour. “This is a significant moment not just for the player but for the state as well. We fully support his participation in the award ceremony,” a BCA official said.
Suryavanshi is expected to rejoin the Bihar squad after returning from Delhi and will be available for the remaining matches of the tournament. The team management remains confident that the teenager will continue to play a central role in their campaign.
The young batter’s performances have already drawn praise from former cricketers and coaches, with many highlighting his temperament and ability to handle pressure. As the spotlight grows, officials said efforts are being made to ensure that his cricketing commitments are balanced with his education and overall development.
