The buzz around Bollywood flick "12th Fail" continues to engulf the nation and there seems to be no end to director Vidhu Vinod Chopra's joy. The famed Bollywood director had much to celebrate, apart from the recent success of his movie, when his son Agni Chopra carved his niche, albeit a small one at that, in Indian cricket. Agni made a stupendous start to his first-class career and his eye-catching display with the bat in Ranji Trophy match has earned him huge praise.
Representing Mizoram, Agni notched up a remarkable 166 runs off 179 balls in his first innings in the match against Sikkim, showcasing his cricketing prowess.
Despite Mizoram's struggle in the game, where they managed only 214 runs in response to Sikkim’s formidable first-innings total of 442/9, Agni’s contribution stood out. His knock accounted for over three-quarters of Mizoram's total score. Demonstrating his batting skills further, he went on to score a swift 92 runs off just 74 balls in the second innings, proving his mettle as a rising cricket star.
The 25-year-old left-handed batter played seven List A matches and as many T20s before making his debut in India's premier domestic competition. Overall, Agni has scored 174 runs in List A cricket while amassing 234 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 150.96.
Agni's journey in cricket began in the United States, where he was born, but it gained momentum in Mumbai, India. In Mumbai, he played for junior cricket teams, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. Later, Agni shifted his cricketing allegiance to Mizoram, a move that opened a new chapter in his sporting career. His debut for the northeastern state came in October 2023 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played against Chhattisgarh and scored five runs.
Agni's impressive debut in the Ranji Trophy, highlighted by a century and a rapid second-innings score, marks him as a player to watch in the Indian domestic cricket scene. His performance not only brings attention to his talent but also highlights the growing cricketing talent emerging from regions like Mizoram. As Agni continues to evolve in his cricketing journey, he represents a new generation of cricketers breaking through from diverse backgrounds.
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