Dream come True: Agni Chopra receives BCCI award from childhood hero Rohit Sharma

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Agni Chopra, the son of noted filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, expressed his joy on receiving the Madhavrao Scindia Award award for the Top Run Getter in Ranji Trophy Plate League at the BCCI annual awards from his childhood idol and Indian captain Rohit Sharma. A total of 939 runs in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season with a whopping average of nearly 80 was a testimony of Agni's voracious appetite for big scores and the consistency required to shine at the first-class level. It was a dream come true for the youngster as he found his worthy place in that special photograph alongside Sachin Tendulkar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Sarfaraz Khan and Smriti Mandhana, the who's who of Indian cricket. "It meant a lot to receive this award from Rohit bhai, who is also from Mumbai and whom I have idolised for many years. I have watched Rohit bhai play for almost half of my life and it feels like a full circle moment to receive it from the captain of India," Agni said after receiving the award.

"To have my parents cheering me on was an incredible feeling because they have always cheered me on and supported me through difficult times when I was in and out of the Mumbai team. "It is indeed great to see my hard work receive some recognition, and it is incredibly special to receive an award for the Ranji Trophy, which is one of the most storied tournaments, and I am grateful to receive this award," he added. Agni was in his teens when he perhaps got the best advice from his father and noted producer-director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, "Whatever profession you pursue, try to give it your best shot." It wasn't one the easiest of decisions to leave Mumbai and get out of one's comfort zone, plying his trade in first-class competition for a North Eastern state where cricket is still in its infancy. But Mizoram cricket embraced Agni, and it has been a beautiful cricketing journey for the 26-year-old who received the BCCI award from his childhood idol. Agni has endeavoured to take Mizoram into the Elite group with his performances and ultimately don the India Test cap.