This is the heart-stopping moment a hero passer-by saved a toddler who fell from a balcony in India.

Bhavesh Mhatre was chatting with his friends when he saw the girl, 2, tumble over the third-floor balcony of the apartment in Maharashtra state, on January 26.

CCTV footage shows the quick-thinking local rushing to catch the girl in his arms as she plummeted toward the ground. The toddler was seen slamming onto the pavement, with Bhavesh's feet breaking her fall.

She was taken to a local hospital and survived the fall with only minor injuries, local media reported.

An apartment tenant told local media that the girl had been playing near the edge of the balcony 'for some time before she fell'.

They added: 'Her parents were not watching her closely'.

Hero local Bhavesh credited the English sport of cricket for his quick reflexes.

He added: 'I play cricket, so I have good hand-eye coordination, and when I saw the child falling, my instincts helped me rush to immediately save her.

'I was passing by the building and didn't think twice before moving forward. I was determined to save the child's life.

'There is no religion greater than courage and humanity.'

Local government officials said plans were underway to formally commend Bhavesh for his bravery.