Nitish Kumar Reddy's Touching Moment During Press Conference Captivates Fans

During a recent press conference following India's ODI victory over Afghanistan, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy captured hearts by answering a call from his mother. This touching moment, which showcased his humility amidst the pressures of international cricket, quickly went viral on social media. Fans praised his decision to prioritize family over the spotlight, emphasizing the importance of personal connections. As Team India prepares for the second ODI, this incident serves as a reminder that no matter how successful one becomes, family remains paramount.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 13:47 IST

India's Victory Over Afghanistan in the ODI Series Opener

In a memorable post-match press conference following India's first ODI against Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on June 13, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy shared a heartwarming moment.

Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, India secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, achieving a seven-wicket victory in a rain-affected 25-over match. Chasing a target of 195 runs, Gill's impressive unbeaten score of 84 off 66 balls, along with KL Rahul's explosive 39 not out from just 19 balls, ensured a successful chase with 2.1 overs remaining.

Earlier, the Indian bowlers, including Gurnoor Brar (3/27), Harsh Dubey (3/47), Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/31), and Arshdeep Singh (2/27), effectively dismantled Afghanistan's batting order, limiting them to 194 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted overs.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's Viral Moment

Following India's win, Nitish Kumar Reddy's interaction with the media gained attention for reasons beyond his impressive bowling performance.

During the press conference, he received a call from his mother, Manasa Reddy. Instead of ignoring it, the 23-year-old checked his phone, which was placed near the microphones. With a shy smile and a nod to the journalists, he said, "Sorry, I have to pick up this."

This candid moment was captured by the broadcasting mics, where he briefly conversed with his mother in Telugu, assuring her he would "call back in five minutes" (Amma, nenu malli chesthanu, five minutes). The clip was later shared on the official BCCI X handle (formerly Twitter) and quickly went viral.

Fans React to Nitish's Heartwarming Gesture

Nitish Kumar Reddy's touching moment of answering his mother's call during the live press conference sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Fans and cricket lovers praised the young player for his humility, emphasizing that some connections are more significant than the spotlight.

Many users expressed their admiration for Nitish's decision to prioritize his mother's call, labeling the gesture as relatable and heartwarming. Comments like 'the world can wait' for a mother's call resonated widely, with others commending his choice to answer rather than ignore it during an official interaction.

This incident served as a reminder that, regardless of a cricketer's success, family remains a vital source of support.

Upcoming Matches

After their victory against Afghanistan in the first ODI, Team India is set to aim for a 2-0 lead in the series when they face Afghanistan again in the second ODI at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on June 17.