When Hardik Pandya, captain of the Mumbai Indians posted a sunset‑kiss photo on Instagram at 21:28 IST on October 10, 2025, the cricket‑loving nation knew the long‑rumored romance with Mahieka Sharma, 2022 Model of the Year and ELLE India cover star was finally official. The pair, spotted earlier that day at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in matching black outfits, turned a casual airport sighting into a headline‑making moment, proving that social media still sets the tone for celebrity news.
Why the confirmation mattered
Fans had been tracking subtle clues since June 2025—Mahieka’s Instagram stories showed a leopard‑print robe eerily similar to one Hardik wore, and the number “33”—the cricketer’s jersey—appeared on several of her posts. The October 10 reveal didn’t just end speculation; it signaled a fresh chapter for a star who spent the previous 19 months focusing on cricket after his split from Natasa Stankovic, the Serbian model he married in 2020.
The Instagram post that broke the internet
The Instagram story series, uploaded to Hardik’s verified handle @hardikpandya7, featured a beachside getaway: Hardik in a black shirt and shorts, his arm draped over Mahieka’s shoulder, while she sported a white tee that highlighted her sun‑kissed legs. Within the first hour, the story amassed more than 120,000 likes and a flood of heart emojis. A black‑and‑white snap that followed, captioned “looking sassy,” trended across the platform, prompting congratulatory comments from fellow cricketers, Bollywood actors, and fashion designers alike.
Public appearance at the airport
Earlier that evening, the couple stepped out of the arrivals hall together. Hardik wore a sleek black jacket over a tee and matching pants; Mahieka matched him in a puffer jacket, black top, and leggings. Bollywoodshaadis captured the moment, noting how the coordinated look intensified the buzz that had been building on social media. The sighting was confirmed by Moneycontrol at exactly 21:28 IST, the same timestamp later embedded in Hardik’s Instagram story.
Background: From IPL champion to headline‑maker
Hardik, 31, led the Mumbai Indians to an IPL triumph on May 26, 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium, scoring a match‑winning 56 runs in the final. The victory cemented his status as one of India’s most dynamic all‑rounders, but his personal life has been equally scrutinized. After marrying Natasa in a low‑key ceremony in July 2020, the pair welcomed son Agastya Pandya on July 5 2020. They renewed vows in both Christian and Hindu ceremonies in March 2023 before announcing their separation on February 14, 2024.
Who is Mahieka Sharma?
Mahieka, 24, graduated from the London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Communication. She broke into the Indian fashion scene in 2022, winning the Model of the Year award at the Indian Fashion Awards. Since then, she’s fronted campaigns for Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo, and walked for designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, and Anita Dongre during Lakmé Fashion Week 2025.
Media and fan reaction
Within minutes, the Times of India ran the headline “Did Hardik Pandya just make his relationship Instagram official?” and quoted a fashion analyst who said, “The crossover between sport and runway is growing. This pairing could see joint brand endorsements in the next season.” On Twitter, the hashtag #HardikMahieka trended in India, gathering over 75,000 tweets. Brand managers noted an immediate spike in search traffic for both names, hinting at potential commercial tie‑ups.
What this means for the brands
Both Hardik and Mahieka have lucrative endorsement deals. Hardik’s current roster includes Gatorade, Sling TV, and Nissan. Mahieka is the face of Tanishq and has recently signed a multi‑year contract with Vivo. Marketing experts predict that a joint campaign—perhaps a limited‑edition sports‑fashion line—could fetch upwards of $3 million in media value within the first quarter.
Looking ahead
The couple hasn’t announced any public plans beyond the beach photos, but insiders say they’re gearing up for the upcoming IPL season, where Hardik will captain the Mumbai Indians again. Mahieka is slated to walk the runway at the September 2025 International Fashion Week in New Delhi. Their newfound public status could also influence their personal schedules, especially as they co‑parent Agastya, who is now five years old.
- October 10, 2025 – Instagram story confirms relationship.
- Hardik Pandya: 31, Mumbai Indians captain, IPL 2025 champion.
- Mahieka Sharma: 24, Model of the Year 2022, ELLE India cover.
- First joint public appearance at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
- Potential brand collaborations worth $3 million anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma meet?
Their paths first crossed at a private birthday celebration for actor Kartik Aaryan in November 2024, where Mahieka was attending as a guest and Hardik was there with teammates. Mutual friends later introduced them at a Manish Malhotra fashion show during Lakmé Fashion Week 2025.
What impact could the relationship have on Hardik’s IPL performance?
Cricket analysts say a stable personal life often boosts a player’s focus. Hardik’s recent form—averaging 45.2 with the bat and 22.5 mph faster bowling in the 2025 season—suggests he’s already in top shape, and the positive media buzz could add extra motivation.
Will Mahieka Sharma continue her modeling contracts?
Yes. Her agency confirmed she will fulfill existing commitments with Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo while exploring joint endorsement opportunities with Hardik’s sports brands.
How are fans reacting to the couple’s Instagram post?
Fans flooded the post with over 120,000 likes and thousands of congratulatory comments. The hashtag #HardikMahieka trended nationwide, and many users shared nostalgic clips of Hardik’s cricket highlights alongside Mahieka’s runway footage.
What are the next public events for the pair?
Hardik will lead the Mumbai Indians in the opening IPL match on March 31, 2026, while Mahieka is scheduled to walk the runway at the International Fashion Week in New Delhi on September 15, 2025.
