Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya shared sweet snaps with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma on New Year’s Day ahead of India’s upcoming series against New Zealand in January 2026. The Men in Blue will host the Kiwis for three ODIs and five T20Is. In his Instagram post, Hardik posted pictures of himself with Mahieka in traditional attire. He wore a red kurta while she looked stunning in a red saree.
The all-rounder also shared moments from his time with Team India. He was seen holding a fan-made painting of himself and posted a video of him practising as he prepares to return from injury. Towards the end, Hardik shared a few more pictures with Mahieka. The couple had been linked romantically, and Hardik confirmed their relationship through a series of Instagram stories in October 2025.
You can watch the post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS-V64DDGAJ/?igsh=eXQxeGViOHg4MTYx
The all-rounder wrapped up the year with impressive performances in the home T20Is against South Africa. Across three innings, he amassed 142 runs at an average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 186.84, registering two half-centuries, including a fiery 63 off just 25 balls in the final match.
Hardik Pandya May Sit Out New Zealand ODI Series
India’s home series against New Zealand will start with three ODIs, with the first match scheduled for Sunday, January 11. According to The Times of India, Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested for the ODI series. Hardik has just returned from a quadriceps injury he suffered during the final stages of the Asia Cup 2025.
He missed the Australia tour as well as the ODIs against South Africa at home. With his recent comeback from injury, Team India will want to manage his workload carefully ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is set to begin in February 2026.
The Men in Blue will aim to keep Hardik fully fit as they look to defend their title. Consequently, he might feature only in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand before the World Cup, rather than in the ODIs.
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