Amidst the echoing cheers for the triumphs at the Filmfare Awards, one particular Chopra is steering the spotlight to the cricket field with a series of record-breaking performances. While 71-year-old filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra basks in the glory of his cinematic achievements with his latest venture, “12th Fail,” his progeny, Agni Dev Chopra, is etching his name in the annals of cricket with an incredibly consistent batting display at the Ranji Trophy.
The ongoing edition of the tournament sees this rising star, Agni, wield his bat for Mizoram, a team that plays in the Plate Group of India’s esteemed domestic cricket competition. His journey began in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, where he honed his skills at the Under-19 level. Now, at the age of 25, Agni has made an indomitable first-class debut, stringing together an impressive tally of five centuries in just eight matches.
Agni Dev Chopra’s career has taken a phenomenal turn, with his last four match scores reading 116, 92, 164, 15, 114, 10, 105, and 101. For a debutant in first-class cricket, these figures are nothing short of remarkable. Doubters might point to the perceived lower quality of competition in the Plate Group, but the impact of Agni’s accomplishments cannot be undermined — he is now the first cricketer in the history of the Ranji Trophy to strike a ton in each of his first four games of the tournament.
The distinction of Agni’s batting prowess is evident when contrasted with the other batsmen in his side, who’ve struggled to make similar inroads. Agni’s performance, a beacon of excellence, poses a promising sign for his future, particularly if he aims to grace the Elite groups of the tournament. Despite Agni’s batting heroics, Mizoram’s team record stands at two wins and one loss, ranking them second in the Plate Group, trailing behind Hyderabad, who boasts a flawless winning streak across their four encounters.
Mizoram’s cricket aficionado, Agni, has proven his mettle as the leading run-scorer in the 2024 edition of the Ranji Trophy, amassing 767 runs from eight innings, at a commanding average of 95.88 and a dazzling strike rate of 111.81. His scoring spree has not gone unnoticed, as his mother, the esteemed film critic Anupama Chopra, joined the chorus of praises sparked by her son’s driven quest on the cricketing field. Embracing the age-old adage that “well begun is half done,” Agni’s start suggests a career that promises to be as illustrious as it is nascent.
As Agni carves out his own legacy, set apart from the silver-screen success of his father, he is demonstrating the varied paths to greatness that can coexist within a single family. His scintillating innings have already placed him in the spotlight, securing a place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts who eagerly follow every boundary that leaps from his bat. With the season still unfolding, all eyes will be on this dynamic young batsman as he continues to redefine what it means to make a debut, setting new benchmarks and inspiring budding cricketers along the way.
In conclusion, while Vidhu Vinod Chopra garners accolades in the world of cinema, his son Agni is scripting his own history on the cricket pitches across the nation. With a blend of determination and natural talent, Agni Dev Chopra stands as a testament to the power of a sterling debut and the indelible mark it leaves on the sporting world. As the Ranji Trophy progresses, one can only wait with bated breath to see the heights that Agni will reach in what seems destined to be a spectacular cricketing journey.
