Mumbai: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has seemingly confirmed his relationship with model Mahieka Sharma, days before turning 32. The star all-rounder shared a series of Instagram stories on Friday featuring Mahieka, sparking excitement among fans and putting months of speculation to rest.
Birthday getaway with family and Mahieka
Hardik, who turns 32 on October 11, posted several pictures from what appeared to be a private beach getaway. One photo showed the couple smiling together against a seaside backdrop, while another black-and-white shot hinted at a new chapter in Hardik’s personal life.
The cricketer also offered glimpses of a family celebration, including his son Agastya, his mother, and grandmother, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony. Fans flooded the comment sections across social media, congratulating Hardik and Mahieka on making their relationship public.
A shift in focus amid changes in Team India
The personal revelation comes at a time of transition for Indian cricket. Shubman Gill has been appointed India’s new ODI captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match series against Australia beginning October 19.
Rohit and Virat Kohli, who last featured in the format during India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, will return to the squad purely as batters. The move marks a new era in Indian cricket, with Gill — already the Test captain — now leading in multiple formats.
Shreyas Iyer has been named Gill’s deputy in ODIs, while Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant continue to recover from injuries. Hardik’s focus, for now, seems to be on family and personal happiness, as his latest posts reflect a calm and content phase in his life.
Fans react with joy
Social media has been abuzz with reactions since Hardik’s posts went live. The pictures of the couple, coupled with touching family moments, have fuelled discussions about the cricketer’s return to both form and peace.
The vacation photos, full of smiles and serenity, come after a turbulent year for Hardik, who faced criticism over his IPL captaincy and national team absences. His latest posts, however, suggest a renewed sense of balance — both on and off the field.