Hardik Pandya shares adorable snaps with Mahieka Sharma on New Year's Day ahead of IND vs NZ 2026 series [In Pictures]

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya shared adorable snaps with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma on New Year's Day ahead of India's upcoming series against New Zealand in January 2026. The Men in Blue host the Kiwis for three ODIs and five T20Is.

In his Instagram post, Hardik Pandya shared pictures of himself with Mahieka in traditional attire. He can be seen wearing a red kurta while she wears a red saree. The star all-rounder also shared moments from his time with Team India. He can be seen holding a painting of himself by a fan. He also posted a video of himself practising whilegearing up to return from his injury.

Towards the end, Hardik Pandya shared a few more pictures of himself with Mahieka. The two were rumored to be dating, and Hardik cleared the air, confirming their relationship with a series of Instagram stories in October 2025.

Below is his Instagram post on New Year's Day -

The all-rounder ended the year with some solid performances against South Africa in the T20Is at home. He scored 142 runs from three innings at an average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 186.84 with two half-centuries, including a blistering 25-ball 63 in the final game.

Hardik Pandya likely to be rested for New Zealand ODIs

India's home series against New Zealand will begin with three ODIs. The first game will be played on Sunday, January 11. According to a report by The Times of India, Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested for the ODI series.

Hardik returned from a quadriceps injury that he had picked up during the final stages of the Asia Cup 2025. He missed the Australia tour and the ODIs against South Africa at home.

Considering he has just returned from injury, Team India would aim to manage his workload well before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The marquee event is scheduled to begin in February 2026. Therefore, the Men in Blue will want Hardik fit as they aim to defend their title.

That said, he could feature only in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand before the upcoming World Cup.

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Edited by Rishab Vm