![[WATCH]- Hardik Pandya Hits The Gym With Girlfriend Before IND vs SA 2025 T20I Series](https://cricfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1206.jpeg "[WATCH]- Hardik Pandya Hits The Gym With Girlfriend Before IND vs SA 2025 T20I Series")
Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen training in the gym with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, as the couple shared moments from their workout session on social media. Their fitness routine comes right before the T20I series against Aiden Markram’s South Africa, set to kick off on Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
The series marks Pandya’s comeback to international cricket after being sidelined since late September due to a quadriceps injury sustained during India’s last group-stage match of the 2025 Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. Preparing for his return, Pandya uploaded a picture from his gym session, while Mahieka posted a video of the training on her Instagram stories on Friday, December 5.
You can watch the video here:
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Along with Pandya, vice-captain Shubman Gill has also been selected, though his availability will be subject to clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE). Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side, Jasprit Bumrah retains his place in the T20I squad, and Rinku Singh has been left out.
“Hardik Pandya Brings Balance To This Team”- Aakash Chopra
As Hardik Pandya gears up for his return in the South Africa series, former India batter Aakash Chopra emphasized that his comeback holds major importance, as Pandya’s presence adds balance to the team. Discussing the topic on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated:
“Hardik Pandya’s return is significant because only he provides balance in this team. You play other all-rounders, Axar and Washi also play, but no one does the job Hardik does. He is the only player who allows you to play with just one pacer if it’s a turning pitch. Him returning is a very good thing.”
The 32-year-old has represented India in 120 T20Is, amassing 1,860 runs with five half-centuries to his name, and has also taken 98 wickets, with a career-best bowling return of 4/16.
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