Indian cricket star Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dad meets the legendary Sunil Gavaskar at the MCG – and you won’t believe what happens next
Indian cricket star Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father has been captured on video bowing and touching the feet of all-time great Sunil Gavaskar in incredibly emotion-charged scenes at the Boxing Day Test.
Mutalya Reddy had already had one of the best moments of his life at the MCG as he watched his son record his first Test century in India’s first innings – then he ran into one of the legends of the game behind the scenes.
Reddy was accompanied by his wife and two of his other children when he met Gavaskar, who is now commentating for Channel Seven after a stellar playing career that saw him score more than 10,000 runs, captain his country and develop a reputation as one of the greatest opening batters ever.
The clip shows Reddy senior taking Gavaskar’s hands in his before he drops to his knees, holds his shoes and bows his head to the ground.
Gavaskar initially and gently tries to stop him from bowing down, then holds Mutalya’s hands and embraces him once he returns to his feet.
Bowing before elders and touching their feet is a traditional sign of respect and admiration in India.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father Mutalya (left) is pictured meeting Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar (right) at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test
Mutalya (left) is pictured with his son, star Indian batter Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored his maiden Test century against Australia at the MCG
The uplifting moment bowled over cricket fans – but while the vast majority were left happy by the clip, some criticised Reddy’s display.
‘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 wrote on X.
‘Honor & respect true Indian traits…nowadays not seen too often,’ another commented.
‘What a beautiful family & such a great sporting story. They deserve all they can for the sacrifices they have made for Nitish. Love the respect they show. Shows they are truly grateful,’ added another.
‘What class and dignity from the family and Sunny. Says so much about this sport in India,’ wrote 3AW radio star Neil Mitchell.
However, others were not as impressed.
‘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 fan wrote.
‘Cricketers are men. Stop treating them like Gods,’ another said.
Gavaskar became emotional when he discussed Reddy’s century after giving the youngster a standing ovation in the commentary booth.
‘I’m pretty certain this is going to be the first of many hundreds,’ Gavaskar said.
‘What a find that this young man has been for Indian cricket. Superb innings, fantastic temperament.
Gavaskar (pictured) was obviously touched by Reddy’s gesture when they met
The former Indian skipper couldn’t praise Reddy enough after his first ton (pictured) helped his team turn the tide against the Aussies in Melbourne
‘Fantastic stuff, young man. Keep going, keep going!’
Reddy’s maiden Test ton came from 171 balls, as he reached his milestone under gloomy skies with the threat of rain lingering.
The talented 21-year-old was almost left stranded on 99, but No.11 Mohammed Siraj (2no) survived four tense deliveries from Australia captain Pat Cummins to allow him to regain the strike.
After India had been still in danger of not reaching the follow-on target of 275 when they began day three on 5-164, Reddy and Washington Sundar took advantage of a flat pitch and a tiring Australian bowling attack.
Reddy has been a revelation for India since debuting in the Border-Gavaskar series-opener in Perth.
The regular No.8 was India’s highest scorer for the series at the time of writing, with 284 runs at an average of 71 to begin his Test career.
He is behind only Australian star Travis Head (409) for the most runs by any batter in the series.
