India all-rounder Hardik Pandya grabbed attention on and off the field during the fifth T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. Amid his explosive batting display, Pandya was seen blowing a flying kiss towards the stands, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
The gesture was directed towards his girlfriend, Mahika Sharma, who was present at the stadium to cheer him on. Cameras caught Pandya acknowledging her support shortly after reaching a key milestone, adding a personal touch to an already memorable night for the Indian star.
Hardik had arrived in Ahmedabad along with the Indian squad on Thursday, ahead of the series decider. Mahika Sharma accompanied him to the city, and her presence in the stands did not go unnoticed as Pandya went on a blistering run-scoring spree against the South African bowlers.
The moment resonated with fans, who flooded social media with clips and reactions, celebrating both Pandya’s on-field heroics and the off-field gesture. The flying kiss became one of the talking points of the match, blending cricketing action with a lighter, personal moment from the Indian all-rounder.
The fifth T20I holds significance for both teams, and Pandya’s performance — coupled with his emotional celebration — added extra buzz to the high-stakes encounter in Ahmedabad.
