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 emotional scenes during 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 score his maiden Test century in India’s first innings – then he came across one of the legends of the game backstage.

Reddy was accompanied by his wife and two of his other children when he met Gavaskar, who now commentates for Channel Seven after a stellar playing career in which he scored more than 10,000 runs, captained his country and developed a reputation as one of the greatest players. leadoff hitters ever.

In the clip, Reddy senior is seen taking Gavaskar’s hands in his before falling to his knees, holding his shoes and bowing his head towards the ground.

Gavaskar initially gently tries to avoid bowing, then holds Mutalya’s hands and hugs him once he gets back up.

Bowing to elders and touching their feet is a traditional sign of respect and admiration in India.

Mutalya (left) is pictured with his son, star Indian player Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored his maiden Test century against Australia at the MCG

The uplifting moment caught cricket fans off guard, but while the vast majority were happy with the clip, some criticized Reddy’s display.

‘Really heartwarming! A meeting between generations of outstanding cricketers: Nitish’s family meets the legend Sunil Gavaskar. Moments like this make cricket so special,” someone wrote on X.

“Honor and respect true Indian traits…which are not often seen these days,” another noted.

‘What a beautiful family and such a great sporting story. They deserve everything they can for the sacrifices they made for Nitish. I like the respect they show. It shows they are truly grateful,” another added.

‘What class and dignity of the family and Sunny. Says so much about this sport in India,” wrote 3AW radio star Neil Mitchell.

Others, however, were not so impressed.

‘Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev along with the 83rd World Cup winning team are on a different pedestal for Cricket India. We love them and cherish them deeply in our hearts. BUT to see NKR’s father do that even out of deepest respect and see Gavaskar accept the same is ‘thoda nahi’ – way over the top,” wrote a fan.

‘Cricketers are men. Stop treating them like gods,” said another.

Gavaskar got emotional while discussing Reddy’s century after giving the youngster a standing ovation in the commentary booth.

“I’m pretty sure this will be the first of many hundreds,” Gavaskar said.

“What a godsend this young man has been for Indian cricket. Fantastic innings, fantastic temperament.

Gavaskar (pictured) was clearly touched by Reddy’s gesture when they met

The former Indian skipper couldn’t praise Reddy enough after his maiden ton (pictured) helped his team turn the tide against the Aussies in Melbourne

“Great stuff, young man. Keep going, keep going!’

Reddy’s maiden Test ton came off 171 balls as he reached his milestone under gloomy skies with the threat of persistent rain.

The talented 21-year-old was almost left stranded on 99 but number 11 Mohammed Siraj (2no) survived four tense deliveries from Australian captain Pat Cummins to regain the stroke.

After India were still in danger of falling short of the follow-on target of 275 as they started day three at 5-164, Reddy and Washington Sundar took advantage of a flat delivery and a tiring Australian bowling attack.

Reddy has been a revelation for India since his debut in the Border-Gavaskar series opener in Perth.

The regular number 8 was India’s highest scorer for the series at the time of writing, with 284 runs at an average of 71 to start his Test career.

He trails only Australian star Travis Head (409) for the most runs of any batter in the series.