‘Heartwarming’ or ‘over the top’? Cult hero’s dad’s gesture goes viral

A young allrounder emerged as Indian cricket’s next superstar during the Boxing Day Test, but it is his dad that’s going viral.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was moved to tears during a heartfelt moment with new Indian cult hero Nitish Kumar Reddy’s family after the rising star scored his maiden Test century on Saturday.

There were emotional scenes at the MCG earlier in the Boxing Day Test when Reddy’s father and family members watched the special moment from inside the famous stadium.

The 21-year-old’s father, Mutalya Reddy, told Fox Cricket after the century: “It’s a very special day, we can’t forget this day.”

The emotions were still running high when the family met Gavaskar behind the scenes.

Footage uploaded to X shows Mutalya Reddy alongside his wife and two other children, greeting Gavaskar with a reverential bow and touching of the feet.

In India, touching the feet of an elder or teacher is common practice to seek their blessings and wisdom. It is generally considered a mark of humility and respect.

Reddy’s greeting was done on his knees, which can be interpreted as a more devotional gesture, given this version of the practice is often performed to deities in temples.

The video shows Gavaskar pulling Reddy in for an embrace, before greeting the rest of the family members.

The reaction to the moment online was overwhelmingly positive.

Mr Reddy greeted cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar after his son’s brilliant performance in the recent Aus v Ind. Test match. Picture: X

Mr Reddy was grateful to meet Gavaskar, who is a legend of the sport. Picture: X

“Truly heartwarming! A meeting between generations of cricketing excellence — Nitish’s family with the legend Sunil Gavaskar. Moments like these make cricket so special,” one person wrote.

“Everything you ever wanted to know about how much cricket means to Indians is right here,” another wrote.

But some branded it “over the top”.

“Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev along with the 83 world cup winning team is on a different pedestal for Cricket India. We love them and treasure them deep in our hearts. BUT to see NKR’s father doing that, even out of deepest respect and Gavaskar accepting the same is “thoda nahi” - lots of over the top,” one wrote.

The snippet posted online was part of a larger interview broadcast on Star Sports where Gavaskar praised the Reddy family’s “sacrifices,” referring to Mr Reddy leaving his job in 2016 and navigating financial strife to support his son’s cricketing dreams.

India's Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrates after scoring his maiden test century. Picture: Martin Keep/AFP

“Because of you and your family – I’m tearing up – India has been delivered a diamond, a cricketing gem,” an emotional Gavaskar said in the interview.

Gavasakar’s 16-year stint as captain of the Indian cricket team and role in the Kapil Dev-led campaign that won India its first World Cup triumph in 1983 elevated the player to legendary status in the country.

The Star Sports interview followed Nitish Kumar Reddy’s lauded performance on the third day of the Australia v India cricket Test, where the young player’s ton sparked a glimmer of hope for India in one of the most crucial Test matches in recent history.

Originally published as ‘Heartwarming’ or ‘over the top’? Cult hero’s dad’s gesture goes viral