Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has all but confirmed his relationship with model Mahieka Sharma. (Image credit Agencies)

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has all but confirmed his relationship with model Mahieka Sharma. A day before his 32nd birthday on October 11, the star all-rounder shared a series of Instagram stories featuring the 24-year-old, just hours after the two were spotted together at the Mumbai airport.In one of the pictures, Hardik and Mahieka are seen posing on a beach, seemingly from a private birthday getaway. Another monochrome photo from the same trip hinted at the beginning of a new and joyful chapter in Hardik’s life.

The cricketer also posted heartwarming family moments featuring his son Agastya, his mother, and grandmother, alongside a glimpse of a cake-cutting ceremony — giving fans a peek into his intimate pre-birthday celebration.

Recently, Shubman Gill has been appointed India’s new ODI captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match series against Australia beginning October 19. Rohit and Virat Kohli, who last featured in the format during India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, return to the squad purely as batters.The appointment marks a new era for Indian cricket, with Gill, already the Test captain, now leading in another format while also serving as vice-captain in T20Is. His elevation follows India’s emphatic win in his first Test as skipper — an innings-and-140-run triumph over the West Indies. Shreyas Iyer has been named Gill’s deputy in ODIs, while Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant remain sidelined due to injuries.