In the world of sports, few moments are as cherished as those that reveal the human side of our athletic heroes. One such heartwarming instance occurred in November 2021, when Indian cricketer
Hardik Pandya
experienced an adorable interruption from his young
son
,
Agastya
, during an
interview
. The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared this delightful encounter on social media, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
The video begins with Agastya, then a toddler, entering the room where Hardik was seated for his interview.
The little boy’s face lit up upon seeing his father, instantly capturing the hearts of viewers. Hardik, taken by surprise, greeted his son with a warm, “How are you?” However, Agastya seemed preoccupied with something else in the room, pointing his finger curiously.
In a tender display of fatherly affection, Hardik asked his son if he could finish the interview first. When Agastya didn’t respond, Hardik decided to include him in the conversation. The interviewer then showed Hardik a picture from the time Agastya was born, prompting Hardik to ask his son if he recognized the baby in the photo. Deep in thought, Agastya simply responded with “papa,” a moment that melted the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Reflecting on that special day, Hardik shared an anecdote about his partner, Natasa Stankovic. He admitted that he initially told Natasa he wouldn’t be able to stay in the room during Agastya’s birth. However, he found the strength to remain and witness the incredible moment his son came into the world. Hardik humorously recalled how tiny Agastya looked as a newborn compared to his growth since then.
This touching interaction not only showcased the bond between Hardik and Agastya but also offered a glimpse into Hardik’s life off the field. The video, captioned by the ICC with, “This will melt your heart,” quickly garnered attention on social media. Even Hardik’s IPL team, Mumbai Indians, couldn’t resist commenting, “It sure did.”
It has been years since this video came out, currently, Hardik and Natasa have parted ways. Despite the challenges, they have emphasized their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of their son. The news has left many fans in shock, reflecting on how even the most seemingly perfect relationships can face unforeseen challenges.