Agni Chopra, the 26-year-old son of renowned Bollywood producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, has chosen an unconventional path—cricket over cinema. Born in Detroit, USA, and holding American citizenship, Agni has been drafted into MI New York as their first domestic player for a staggering $50,000. His decision to pursue cricket in the United States comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implemented a rule barring foreign passport holders from playing in India’s prestigious Ranji Trophy.
A Bollywood Star Kid with a Cricket Passion
Despite growing up in a family deeply entrenched in Bollywood, Agni’s heart was always on the cricket field. “My dad would always tell my mom, ‘Yeh kiska beta hain? Mera toh nahi ho sakta,’” Agni recalled with a laugh. “He saw I was drawn to cricket and sports, not films.”
From the age of six, Agni’s love for cricket was undeniable. “It wasn’t like my parents made me watch cricket or exposed me to it deliberately. At six, I told my mom I wanted to play, and she took me to Shivaji Park,” he shared in an interview with Cricbuzz.
Battling the ‘Misfit’ Tag
Growing up in Mumbai, Agni faced the challenge of shedding the ‘privileged kid’ label. At Shivaji Park, a hub for cricket talent, he worked tirelessly to prove his dedication to the sport.
“At 8 or 10, I was just one of the boys. But by 12, I could sense people looking at me differently because of my background,” Agni revealed.
To blend in, he went to great lengths, even hiding his privilege. “I’d ask my driver to park the car a few blocks away and walk to the ground so no one would see me arriving in a car. I didn’t want to stand out,” he explained.
Overcoming Prejudices
Agni’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Coaches and selectors often doubted his commitment to cricket, assuming his privileged background meant he didn’t need the sport. “The preconceived notion was that I didn’t care about cricket because I was a rich kid. People thought I’d quit or wasn’t serious,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Agni persevered, driven by his passion for the game. “I knew some selectors didn’t think I belonged in the Mumbai team purely because of my background. But I kept pushing to prove myself,” he added.
A New Chapter in the USA
Agni’s move to the United States marks a fresh start. Drafted by MI New York, he is set to make his mark in American cricket. His journey—from the maidans of Mumbai to the cricket fields of the USA—is a testament to his determination and love for the sport.
A Story of Resilience and Passion
Agni Chopra’s story is one of breaking stereotypes and following one’s passion against all odds. From battling perceptions to carving his niche in cricket, his journey is as inspiring as it is unique. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly await his rise in the world of cricket.
“Cricket has always been my calling,” Agni said. “And now, I’m ready to make my mark.”
