ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 ended on a triumphant note for the Indian national cricket team as they defeated New Zealand in the finals at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The victory, which coincided with International Women’s Day, carried an extra layer of significance for all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
One of India’s standout performers in the final, Hardik Pandya credited model and actress Mahieka Sharma for being a source of strength in recent months. In his post-match speech, the cricketer acknowledged her influence in his life, saying that victories have become more frequent since she became a part of his life.

Hardik said, “This is the victory I have always lived for. This is why I have played cricket. I want to win trophies. I want to win as many trophies as I can. In 2024, I had said that whatever trophies I play for, I will win. And I believe that. This trophy is a validation of that, adding, “There is a lot of hard work. There is not only talk, but there is a lot of hard work. Work hard, stay silent, be a good person. Since Maheika has come into my life, I have only been winning.”

Before the high-stakes match, the couple had visited the revered Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings for Team India’s success. Hardik Pandya’s and Mahieka Sharma’s relationship became public in October last year when the two were spotted together at the Mumbai airport before leaving for a vacation.
Mahieka Sharma is a model and actress with an academic background in Economics and Finance. Over the years, she has appeared in several music videos, independent films, and advertising campaigns for brands such as Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo. She has also walked the runway for prominent designers, including Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre, and Tarun Tahiliani. Since then, their appearances and social media posts have frequently drawn attention from fans who enjoy glimpses of their chemistry online.
Speculation about their engagement began circulating after the couple hosted a Hanuman Hawan at their residence. Addressing the rumours and pregnancy speculation, Mahieka responded on Instagram with humour. In one Instagram Story, she wrote, “me watching the internet decide I’m engaged but I just wear nice jewellery every day (sic).” In another post, she dismissed pregnancy rumours with a playful remark: “wyd if I pull up in this to fight the pregnancy rumours (sic).”

There is an eight-year age difference between the two. Mahieka celebrated her 25th birthday on February 19, while Hardik will turn 33 in October this year.
Before his relationship with Mahieka, Hardik Pandya was married to Serbian dancer and model Natasa Stankovic. The couple married in May 2020 and later renewed their vows through both Hindu and Christian ceremonies in February 2023. In July 2024, they announced their separation through a joint statement that read: “We tried our best and gave it our all, but we believe this is in the best interest of both of us. This was a tough decision given the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we shared as a family. We are blessed with Agastya, who will remain at the centre of both our lives. We will continue to co-parent to ensure his happiness.” The two have a son, Agastya Pandya, who appears to share a friendly equation with Mahieka.

During the semi-finals at Wankhede Stadium, she was seen looking after the young boy in the stands. Following India’s title win in the finals, the couple was also spotted sharing a kiss in a celebratory moment at the Narendra Modi stadium. It drew attention from fans for PDA and further sparked speculation that wedding bells could ring soon for them.
Mahieka Sharma is an Indian model and actress who has worked in music videos, independent films, and advertising campaigns.
She studied Economics and Finance before pursuing a career in modelling and acting.
She has appeared in campaigns for brands such as Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo.
The two were first seen together publicly in October 2025 at Mumbai airport before leaving for a vacation.
There has been speculation, but Mahieka has publicly denied the engagement rumours.
Hardik Pandya was married to dancer and actress Nataša Stanković in 2020 but the couple separated in July 2024.