Media365
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya found himself in the spotlight on Makar Sankranti for a festive moment off the field. A video of Pandya flying kites with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma in Jaipur quickly went viral, triggering fresh discussion around his fitness and his absence from India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. Pandya was seen enjoying the festival in a relaxed setting, carefully preparing his kite and tying the bridle before sending it soaring. Dressed casually in a white T-shirt and black jeans, he also had white protective tape on his fingers to guard against cuts from the sharp kite strings. Mahieka, dressed in black, stood alongside him, with the pair once again drawing attention due to their frequent public appearances in recent months. The viral clip arrived at a time when questions remain over Pandya’s workload and fitness. He was not picked in India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series after the Centre of Excellence did not clear him to bowl a full 10-over spell on a consistent basis. Although he completed his bowling quota in domestic cricket, the team management chose caution, opting not to push him in the 50-over format. Pandya, however, showed his all-round value at the domestic level. Against Chandigarh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he smashed a rapid 75 off just 31 balls and picked up 3 for 66 with the ball. Earlier, he also registered a century against Vidarbha. While he remains sidelined from ODIs for now, Pandya continues to be a key part of India’s plans in the shortest format. He is set to return in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21, as India build towards the T20 World Cup in 2026.
