Indian cricket sensation Hardik Pandya appears to have confirmed his romance with model Mahieka Sharma. Just before his 32nd birthday on October 11, the talented all-rounder posted a collection of Instagram stories showcasing the 24-year-old, mere hours after the pair were seen together at Mumbai airport.
Among the shared images, Hardik and Mahieka are captured together on a stunning beach, suggesting a private birthday celebration. A striking monochrome shot from their trip further hinted at an exciting new chapter unfolding in Hardik’s personal journey.
Pandya also shared heartwarming family snapshots, featuring his son Agastya, his mother, and grandmother. These glimpses of a cheerful cake-cutting ceremony offered fans a rare insight into his intimate pre-birthday festivities.
Meanwhile, in significant news for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been named the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, set to begin on October 19. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who last played this format during India’s triumphant 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, will rejoin the squad as specialist batsmen.
This appointment signals a fresh era for Indian cricket, as Gill, already holding the Test captaincy, now extends his leadership to another format while also serving as T20I vice-captain. His promotion comes on the heels of India’s dominant innings-and-140-run victory over the West Indies, a game where he made his captaincy debut.
Shreyas Iyer has been selected as Gill’s vice-captain for the ODIs. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant, however, continue to be sidelined due to ongoing injuries.