As India fights to retain them t20 world cup 2026 Semi-final hopes alive, star all-rounder hardik pandya Winning hearts both on and off the field. While his explosive fifties and important wickets have propelled India forward in important matches, his blossoming romance with his girlfriend has also propelled India forward Mahika Sharma This has emerged as one of the most engaging subplots of the tournament – capturing millions of hearts across social media platforms.
After the match-winning half-century, Hardik Pandya’s ‘flying kiss’ heated up the atmosphere in Chepauk.
The most viral moment of India’s campaign came during the must-win Super 8 match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 26 February. After scoring a brilliant fifty off 23 balls – his second half-century of the edition – Pandya celebrated his milestone in style by blowing a flying kiss into the stands, aimed directly at Maheeka Sharma, who was there cheering for him.
The moment, captured live by broadcast cameras, quickly spread across social media platforms.
Here is the video:
The way Hardik Pandya gave a flying kiss to his girlfriend Mahika Sharma after scoring 50 (23) against Jim in the T20 World Cup 2026. 🔥
Bringing Neymar to life – Hardik is truly the Neymar of cricket. 💀 pic.twitter.com/Kmmke4TENU
– Sonu (@cricket_live247) 27 February 2026
Pandya finished the innings in style, hitting two consecutive sixes off the last two balls to complete his half-century and take India to a mammoth score of 256/4. Tilak Verma, standing at the non-striker end, reminded Pandya of his milestone, prompting the all-rounder to raise his bat before making the romantic gesture.
During India’s final group-stage match against Netherlands on February 18, he was also seen kissing Mahika after playing a crucial inning of 30 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Maheeka Sharma’s charming presence: From hotel lobby to T20 World Cup stands
Pandya and Mahika’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 frequent presence at India’s World Cup matches, traveling to every venue where the team plays.
Mahika Sharma’s six on Hardik Pandya#INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup #T20WC2026 #T20WorldCup26 pic.twitter.com/YMgj6P3IiL
– Achyut Kumar Dwivedi (@dwivediachiut41) 26 February 2026
Even before the tournament began, the couple made headlines when they were seen walking hand-in-hand in the lobby of the team hotel – with Pandya famously wearing a bathing suit at the time. The moment, captured on video, delighted fans and demonstrated the couple’s comfort with the public display of affection.
Mahika, a 25-year-old model and fitness enthusiast from Gujarat, has gained a good following on social media. Beyond her glamorous profession, she has a degree in Economics and Finance and has worked with prestigious brands including Tanishq, Vivo and Uniqlo.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026 – India vs West Indies Super 8 Ticket Prices, Booking Details
How Mahika changed Hardik’s cricket?
Beyond the viral moments and romantic gestures, Mahika’s influence on Pandya’s professional life has also 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 too. Ever since she came into my life, she has been the best to me and a lot of good things have happened since she came.” Pandya told the media.
He revealed that his conversation with Maheeka about the game brought back everything he calls his “Childhood’s excitement.” This new mindset has translated into performances – Pandya has scored 155 runs in six innings at a strike rate of over 150, while also taking five important wickets. His recent player of the match performance against Zimbabwe exemplified this resurgence.