Mizoram batter Agni Chopra, currently in stellar form during the Ranji Trophy season, opened up about his cricketing journey, idols, and aspirations. The son of renowned film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Agni has been making headlines with his consistent performances for Mizoram.
The 25-year-old left-handed batter from Mumbai revealed that while cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar remains his ultimate idol, former star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been a significant influence on his game, especially as a left-handed batsman.
“Sachin sir was always number one, the reason many of us started playing cricket. But for me, as a left-handed batter, my idol was always Yuvi paji. When I saw him in the 2007 World Cup, he hit six sixes, and even in the 2011 World Cup. Being a left-hander, Yuvi paji was someone I always wanted to be like. If I had to say someone, it would be him growing up. But Sachin sir is always first; there is no competition,” Agni Chopra expressed.
Agni’s remarkable feat of scoring four centuries in his first four first-class games, becoming the first player to achieve this milestone, has brought him into the spotlight. Despite his success, Agni remains focused on team goals, particularly getting Mizoram to qualify for the elite division.
“I just wanted to take my team to the final and elite division. Even now I am happy with my performance, but I am not satisfied because I know the job is not finished,” Agni stated.
Known for his aggressive batting style, Agni discussed his approach, saying, “I have always been a naturally aggressive batsman. I don’t pre-meditate about a bowler; I just take it as it comes, and I always think positive, my mindset is always about scoring runs.”
Regarding his batting position, Agni emphasized versatility, expressing readiness to bat at any position that the team requires. As he continues to break records and maintain an impressive strike rate, Agni eyes a potential spot in an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, with the Mumbai Indians being his dream team.
“Dream franchise I would say Mumbai Indians, I have grown up loving Mumbai Indians. If I had to choose one, I would choose Mumbai, being a Mumbai boy. But honestly, I am happy to play for whichever team picks me,” Agni shared.
Looking ahead, Agni’s ultimate ambition is to lift the ODI World Cup for India. “The ultimate would be to win the ODI World Cup for India. If I had to choose one thing, that would be the biggest dream for me,” he concluded.
