Champs lose bulwark

Chopra represented Delhi for ten seasons before shifting to Rajasthan for the 2010-11 season. He was a key part of their remarkable campaign that season,when they took the title despite starting in the Plate Division. Thanks to the 615 runs he ammassed in the subsequent season,Rajasthan would successfully defend their title. Chopra said that the time he spent with the Rajasthan team was ‘incredible’.

“The atmosphere in the Rajasthan team over the past two years has been absolutely phenomenal,the Rajasthan team was a happy place to be,” quipped Chopra.

Chopra was among the three professionals hired by Rajasthan along with Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Rashmi Ranjan Parida with the aim of moulding together an outfit that would be a formidable force in Indian domestic cricket. While Chopra said that he was happy to be part of a side that won two Ranji titles,he was happier with the fact that a number of young players were able to mark for themselves. “I am happy that in my two years with Rajasthan,I was able to guide young talented players to realize their potential and make a mark on the domestic circuit,” he said. He said that the Rajasthan project held special value for him as he was one of the people responsible for building up a team that was lacking in confidence,camaraderie and the will to win. “Rajasthan had young players with a lot of potential but they did not play as a team,I am glad that I was able to play some part in changing that,” said the right-hander who has played 10 test matches for India.

Chopra said that prior to the 2011-2012 season,the changes in the Rajasthan Cricket Association had unsettled him to some extent.

“With the entire RCA administration changing,there were some doubts in the minds of the professionals,however I decided to stick with the team for one season and I am glad we were able to capture another Ranji title in the season,” said Chopra. Chopra said that the vision that the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association had about the growth of their state team was instrumental in him agreeing to the move. “The facilities in Himachal are great,they have a very talented bunch of players and a chance to mentor these players was something that I was not going to miss out on,” said Chopra. He will turn out for the Himachal Pradesh team for a year and says in addition to captaining will also act as mentor of the team.

Chopra was also enthused by the changes brought about in the Indian domestic circuit and particularly in the Ranji Trophy. “With all the teams playing eight matches,every team needs to play consistent cricket,this new format rewards consistency,” said the opener.