devastating talent a star in the making.

Dubai He doesn't flinch a bit when it comes to taking on bowlers twice his age or size, but 14-year-old Dubai lad Shorye Chopra admits he couldn't avoid getting nervous after learning India legend Kapil Dev would be presenting him with the Dubai Cricket Council's (DCC) Best Junior Cricketer award.

The young wicketkeeper-batsman bagged the prize at the 12th edition of the Shyam Bhatia awards this week having amassed a whopping 599 runs, including two unbeaten centuries, in two tournaments held under the auspices of the DCC and the Sharjah Cricket Council. But the class 10 student of Modern High School knew he was in for a really memorable evening when he discovered the identity of the chief guest for the awards following a aebit of research' on the internet.

"It's the first time I've got such a prestigious award," Chopra told XPRESS before describing his feelings at receiving the prize from the man who captained India to their first World Cup success in 1983. "That's even bigger. It makes it even more precious. It was a nervous and exciting few days."

exceptional talent

Chopra has been honing his skills at the G Force Cricket Academy for the past two and a half years, and head coach Gopal Jasapara, who looked on proudly as his ward shared the same stage with Dev, believes the youngster will be winning many more accolades as his career progresses. "He's an exceptional kid. Right from day one I could tell this guy was different," said Jasapara. "He's got amazing talent. I had no hesitation making him the G Force captain right away. Even when I play on the team, he is the captain as I could tell he has those leadership qualities. He has played in the Mobil Cup, in fact though he is 14, he has played more matches against older boys than against those of his own age and done really well in them."

Chopra's age did go against him though when he turned up for selection to the UAE under-19 side. While insisting he would give it another shot next year, he revealed he eventually plans on continuing his cricketing career back in India. "Beginning [class] 10th, it's important to control both studies and cricket," said the Rahul Dravid fan. "If I'm able to manage that well and good, but pursuing a career in cricket is one thing I want to do.

"If I can get into the UAE under-19 side, that would be an excellent thing. But I think exposure in India is much better and it's much harder, and I'm always ready for hard competition."

If Jasapara's assessment of Chopra is anything to go by, young cricketers back in India better be on their guard.

599

runs scored by Chopra in two tournaments

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