IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya girlfriend Mahieka Sharma gets a ‘special’ mention after all-rounder’s heroics

India’s premier pace-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya ensured that his return from injury made a statement. The senior member of India’s T20 setup headlined the IND vs SA 1st T20I in Cuttack as the Men in Blue dominated the tricky conditions. Returning to competitive cricket after a left quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025, Pandya staged a remarkable comeback on December 9. The all-rounder's standout performance powered India to a commanding 101-run win over South Africa in the opening fixture of the five-match T20I series. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma earned a special shoutout following the fixture.

Hardik Pandya credits his 'partner' after headlining IND vs SA 1st T20I

The heroics of Hardik Pandya in the IND vs SA 1st T20I earned him the Player of the Match award, following which he delivered a heartfelt on-camera message for his girlfriend. That clip has since gone viral on social media, and was prominently reshared by his girlfriend, model Mahieka Sharma, who celebrated him as her “hero.”

India, put in to bat first, found themselves wobbling at 78 for 4 before Hardik counterattacked with an unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries, lifting the team to 175 for 6 in their 20 overs. He later chipped in with the ball as well, picking up a wicket during South Africa’s collapse to 74 all out, helping India secure a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. After sealing the emphatic victory, Hardik took a moment to acknowledge the supoort of Mahieka Sharma, crediting her for being a significant source of strength.

"A special mention to my partner. A lot of great things have happened; she's been nothing but the best to me ever since she came into my life. I think I have been a very honest and real person in my life, which has helped me a lot. I don't really sugarcoat anything. It's never about the other person or how others think-it's just about how I feel from inside," Pandya expressed.

The positive message came shortly after Hardik Pandya publicly criticised paparazzi on social media for “crossing the line” while photographing and filming Mahieka. In a strongly worded post, he condemned what he called disrespectful and intrusive behaviour by certain photographers who targeted his partner without regard for privacy.

The Indian all-rounder recently went public with his relationship with Mahieka, a model and yoga trainer. Although whispers about their romance had begun earlier due to their social media exchanges and sightings together during travel, Pandya formally confirmed the relationship in October 2025, just ahead of his 32nd birthday. He made it official by sharing affectionate photos and videos of the two spending time on a secluded beach holiday and offering prayers together during a puja.