As India fought to keep them T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes alive, all-round star Hardik Pandya conquers hearts both on and off the field. While his blazing 50s and crucial wickets carried India through critical matches, his blossoming romance with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma emerged as the most captivating plot of the tournament, winning the hearts of millions on social media platforms.
Hardik Pandya’s ‘flying kiss’ sparks Chepauk’s fifty after winning the game
The most viral moment of India’s campaign came during the must-win Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 26. After hitting a breathtaking 23-ball fifty – the second half-century of his edition – Pandya celebrated the milestone in style by blowing kisses to the pitch in the stands.
The moment, which was captured live by broadcast cameras, quickly went viral on social media platforms.
We present the video:
Hardik Pandya’s flying kiss style with girlfriend Mahika Sharma after beating Zim by 50 (23) in T20 World Cup 2026. 🔥
Giving Neymar impressions – Hardik is truly the Neymar of cricket. 💀 pic.twitter.com/Kmmke4TENU
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 27, 2026
Pandya finished the innings magnificently, hitting two consecutive sixes off the last two balls to reach his fifty and steer India to a mammoth 256/4. Standing at the non-striker’s end, Tilak Varma reminded Pandya of his milestone and prompted him to raise his bat before delivering the thoroughly romantic gesture.
On February 18, he was seen kissing Mahieka after a crucial knock of 30 runs in India’s final group stage match against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Mahieka Sharma’s glamorous presence: From hotel lobby to T20 World Cup stands
Pandya and Mahieka’s relationship was officially confirmed in late 2025, more than a year after his divorce from Natasa Stankovic. Since then, the model has been a regular at India’s World Cup matches and travels to every venue where the team plays.
Mahieka Sharma Hardik Pandya in six#INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup #T20WC2026 #T20WorldCup26 pic.twitter.com/YMgj6P3IiL
— Achyut Kumar Dwivedi (@dwivediachyut41) February 26, 2026
The couple made headlines when they were spotted walking hand-in-hand in the team’s hotel lobby before the tournament began – with Pandya wearing a famous gown at the time. The moment captured on video amused fans and showed the couple’s comfort with the show of love to the public.
Mahieka, a 25-year-old model and fitness enthusiast from Gujarat, has amassed a huge following on social media. In addition to her glamorous profession, she studied economics and finance and worked with prestigious brands such as Tanishq, Vivo and Uniqlo.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – India vs West Indies Super 8 Ticket Prices, Booking Details
How Mahieka changed Hardik’s cricket?
Apart from viral moments and romantic gestures, Mahieka’s impact on Pandyan’s professional life has been equally significant. In candid interviews during the World Cup, Pandya credited his girlfriend for helping him rediscover his passion for cricket.
“A lot of credit goes to my loved ones. Special mention to my partner. He’s been the best thing ever since he came into my life and so many great things have happened since he came.” Pandya told the media.
He revealed that conversations with Mahieka about sports brought back what he called “Childhood Enthusiasm.” This renewed mindset translated into performances – Pandya scored 155 runs in six innings at a strike rate of over 150, while claiming five crucial wickets. His recent man-of-the-match performance against Zimbabwe exemplified this revival.
