While his father, the acclaimed filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, wields the magic of celluloid, Agni Dev Chopra, 25, has chosen a different kind of spotlight – the cricket pitch. In his debut Ranji Trophy season, Agni Dev has smashed five centuries, proving his talent transcends nepotism and burns bright on its own merit.
Unlike many star kids, the lure of Bollywood held no sway for Agni Dev. “Movies were never my passion,” he declares to PTI, his focus laser-sharp on the crease. This conviction led him from the Mumbai Under-19 and Under-23 benches to the Mizoram team, seeking opportunities to showcase his skills.
His decision paid off in a flurry of runs. With scores like 166 and 92, 164, 114, 105 and 101, Agni Dev Chopra has amassed a staggering 767 runs in four matches. He also silenced doubts about the Plate Group’s bowling standards in his own way.
“People will say what they have to say,” he counters, “but at the end of the day, it’s your performance.” His sights are set on leading Mizoram to the Plate Group finals, guaranteeing a spot in the Elite division next year.
Agni Dev Chopra on IPL 2024 snub & more
While the IPL snubbed him this season (IPL 2024), Agni Dev remains grounded. “Maybe I’m not good enough,” he admits, shunning nepotistic shortcuts. “I want to be picked based on my pedigree, not because of anything else.”
His father’s advice echoes in his words: “Be the best cobbler if that’s your calling.” This mantra translates into relentless hard work, a quality he admires in both his parents.
Agni Dev Chopra journey is a testament to self-belief and perseverance. He carves his own path, fueled by passion and dedication, proving that sporting excellence can blossom independent of family lineage. As he leads Mizoram’s charge, cricket fans can expect to see more scintillating centuries and witness the rise of a star determined to shine on his own terms.
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