After match-winning show in first T20I against South Africa, India's veteran all-rounder Hardik Pandya has publicly praised his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, crediting her for bringing positive changes into his life since they began dating. Their relationship has recently become a major topic of discussion, garnering significant attention over the past couple of months. Pandya specifically mentioned that several 'great' things have happened to him since the start of their relationship.
Hardik Pandya on girlfriend Mahieka Sharma
Pandya recently made a powerful return to cricket after being sidelined for almost two months with a left quadriceps injury. His comeback was instrumental in India's impressive performance, securing a commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the opening T20I match held in Cuttack on Tuesday.
'She has been nothing but the best to me since she entered my life'
The time Pandya spent away from the field during his recovery was utilized to spend quality moments with both his family and Mahieka. It was during this break that their relationship first entered the public eye. Initial speculation began in October when the pair was sighted together at the Mumbai airport, which was later confirmed by the couple with a post on social media.
“Injuries test you mentally and put a lot of doubt in your mind. A lot of credit for a successful comeback goes to my loved ones. A special mention to my partner, she has been nothing but the best to me since she entered my life. A lot of great things have happened since she arrived," Pandya said while speaking to BCCI.
Just hours before his match-winning performance on the field, the star Indian all-rounder took the opportunity to address the media regarding his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. Pandya publicly called out certain sections of the paparazzi for circulating unauthorised pictures and videos of her online. Expressing deep disappointment over what he deemed an invasion of privacy, he specifically requested media outlets to respect their personal boundaries, citing a viral video of Mahieka leaving a restaurant in Mumbai as an example of the unwelcome attention.
Pandya will now shift his focus on the second T20I against South Africa, which is slated to be played on December 11 at the New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mullanpur.