Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen sharing some affectionate moments outside an airport with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma despite facing considerable backlash after the T20 World Cup 2026 win in Ahmedabad. The Baroda-born cricketer was seen putting his arm around Mahieka’s shoulder as they were sharing a laugh outside an airport.
Why did Hardik Pandya face backlash after Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win?
The star all-rounder, along with his partner, were seen lying down on the podium after Team India’s historic World Cup win, with a few fans claiming that they must be mindful of what must be done in a public space. Additionally, Pandya is now facing legal trouble as advocate Wajid Khan has lodged a complaint in a police station in Pune over wrapping the national flag around themselves. According to him, it means disrespect to the national flag.
Meanwhile, here’s the video of Pandya sharing a laugh with Mahieka:
Hardik Pandya isn’t stopping, man… He saw the trolls of him and Mahieka on social media, so he decided to do more romance openly in front of cameras. 😭 pic.twitter.com/y5xPZgfykI
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) March 2, 2026
Here’s how netizens have reacted to the moment:
Those you show off in public have troubled relationship in private!
— Responder (@OnlyResponder) March 2, 2026
The way other staff are looking in disgust from behind, is my expression aswell
— #గుంటూరోడు (@gunturodu44) March 2, 2026
im tired of this cringe relationship even i wont flex my gf like this
— Sai Goud (@171_perth_) March 2, 2026
National TV + millions of kids watching = responsibility. Be a role model. Keep personal behaviour off
— Aviator (@Aviator98459476) March 2, 2026
The lesser you talk about this man, the better it is.
— Rajesh Pattanayak (@imrajpattanayak) March 2, 2026
Hardik Pandya named in ICC’s team of the tournament
The 32-year-old played an instrumental role in the Men in Blue’s second consecutive T20 World Cup victory and third overall. Although the star cricketer struggled in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Yet, the seam-bowling all-rounder had picked up nine wickets in as many matches alongside scoring 217 runs, averaging 27.12 but maintained a strike rate of 160.74. Hence, he was one of the four Indians in the ICC Player of the Tournament.
The final against the Black Caps proved to be a one-sided contest as the Men in Blue mustered 255/5 and bowled out the tourists for 159 in 19 overs to win by 96 runs. Pandya will next be in action for IPL 2026, which kicks off on March 28. The Mumbai Indians skipper will be keen to make the five-time champions win another title, having not lifted the trophy since 2020.
Mumbai Indians’ 2025 edition ended in the Eliminator after suffering a defeat to the Punjab Kings.
