Inside Hardik Pandya’s New Chapter: Who Is Mahieka Sharma and How She Reignited the Cricketer’s Passion
Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has always made headlines—whether for his explosive sixes, his fashion-forward persona, or his high-profile personal life. Following his separation from Natasa Stankovic in 2024, the star all-rounder has embarked on a new romantic journey with model and actor Mahieka Sharma. Their relationship, which came to light in late 2025, has quickly become one of the most talked-about topics in the world of sports and entertainment .
This article delves deep into who Mahieka Sharma is, the timeline of their relationship, and how she has positively influenced Pandya’s career, helping him rediscover his mojo on the cricket field just in time for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Who Is Mahieka Sharma? Meet Hardik Pandya’s Girlfriend
Mahieka Sharma is a rising model, actor, and wellness advocate based in Mumbai. While she keeps much of her personal life private, her professional profile paints the picture of a driven and talented individual.
- Age and Background: Mahieka turned 25 in February 2026, making her seven years younger than the 32-year-old cricketer . Hailing from Delhi, she holds a degree in economics and finance, showcasing her academic prowess before she ventured into the world of glamour .
- Career: Mahieka has made a name for herself in the fashion and entertainment industries. She has appeared in several music videos and independent films. Her striking presence has also made her a favorite for major brand campaigns, working with labels like Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo . On the runway, she has walked for some of India’s top designers, including Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre, and Tarun Tahiliani. Her growing influence was recognized in 2024 when she won the ‘Model of the Year (New Age)’ award at the Indian Fashion Awards .
Relationship Timeline: From Rumors to Romance
The couple’s journey from speculation to a public declaration has been closely followed by fans and media alike.
The First Signs and Instagram Official
The earliest whispers of a possible romance began circulating in early 2025 through social media chatter . The speculation turned into a confirmed story in October 2025, when Hardik made it “Instagram official.” He shared a series of holiday pictures featuring Mahieka, describing her as his “11:11 wish” . This post came more than a year after his divorce from Natasa Stankovic was finalized in July 2024 .
Public Appearances and Family Integration
Since confirming their relationship, the couple has been spotted together on numerous occasions. They were recently seen arriving hand-in-hand at Colombo airport ahead of a high-voltage India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup match . They also made a prominent public appearance at an event honoring World Cup-winning teams, where Hardik was seen introducing Mahieka to Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan .
A significant aspect of their relationship is Mahieka’s bond with Hardik’s son, Agastya. Reports and sightings suggest that Mahieka spends time with the young boy, indicating a smooth and mature integration into the cricketer’s family life .
Hardik Pandya’s Grand Gestures of Love
Hardik is known for his flamboyant style, and his gestures for Mahieka have been no different.
The Valentine’s Day Tattoo
On Valentine’s Day 2026, Hardik took a permanent step to honor his love. He got a detailed tattoo on the back of his neck featuring the initial ‘M‘ for Mahieka . The design, created by celebrity tattoo artist Sunny Bhanushali at Aliens Tattoo, evolved into a profound symbol of their partnership. It features two leopards—one bold and fierce, the other shadow-like and graceful—running together .
The artist explained, “They described themselves as partners who amplify each other’s strengths. The leopard became the perfect metaphor — powerful alone, unstoppable together” .
The “Princess” Birthday Wish
Just days after the tattoo, on February 19, 2026, Mahieka celebrated her 25th birthday. Hardik melted hearts on social media with a series of posts. He shared a romantic, unseen photo of the couple embracing in an infinity pool, captioning it, “Happy birthday my princess ❤️🧿🕉️” . He also posted a video of them releasing a floating lantern, with a touching note: “Thank you for coming in this world 25 years ago. You are the most amazing person I know. I love you” . Mahieka replied in the comments, “You’re my best gift this year” .
The Secret to Hardik’s Resurgence: “Mahieka Helped Me Rediscover the Child Within”
Beyond the romantic dinners and social media posts, Mahieka’s influence on Hardik has had a tangible impact on his professional life. In a candid conversation with JioStar during the T20 World Cup 2026, Hardik opened up about how she helped him overcome a major slump .
Hardik admitted that he felt he had only been utilizing “more than 40 per cent” of his batting potential . He revealed that a period of introspection led him to Mahieka. “That’s when Mahieka came into my life. We started talking about the sport and how to bring that child back,” he said .
He credited her with helping him rediscover the pure joy and excitement for the game that he had as a young boy. This renewed mental clarity translated into fierce dedication, with Hardik spending six to seven hours in batting sessions to prepare for the World Cup .
“Mahieka helped me rediscover that excitement for the game that I always had,” Hardik stated, crediting her as a catalyst for his recent stellar performances on the field .
Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma’s relationship is more than just a celebrity romance; it appears to be a partnership built on mutual support and understanding. As Mahieka continues to make her mark in the fashion world, she stands firmly by Hardik’s side, having played a pivotal role in his emotional and professional rejuvenation. With Hardik back to his match-winning best and the couple openly celebrating their bond, this new chapter in the cricketer’s life is one that fans are enthusiastically cheering on.