India's senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen calm as he avoided responding to an aggressive fan who requested a picture with him while he was leaving a Mumbai restaurant with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. Hardik was recently seen in action for India during the T20I series at home against South Africa.
Hardik played a key role as India defeated South Africa 3-2 in the five-match T20I series. He scored 142 runs on the back of a fiery half-century in the final game. This was 2nd fastest T20I fifty for India as Pandya went on to play an impactful knock of 63 runs in just 25 balls with the help of five fours and as many sixes. He took three wickets in the series as well.
The viral incident featuring Hardik and Mahieka took place when the pair was leaving a restaurant after a Christmas celebration. While Pandya took selfies with a few fans, a crowd had gathered outside before he made his way to his car. One fan tried to get a photograph with Pandya but was blocked by the rush and security. Frustrated, the fan shouted an abusive remark, โBhaad mein jao" (go to hell), but Pandya chose to remain unbothered and headed forward with ease.
The moment went viral, earning Pandya praise for his calm behaviour.
๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ง๐ข๐ข ๐ ๐จ๐๐ ๐คฌ๐
โ Jara (@JARA_Memer) December 25, 2025
A fan tried to approach Hardik Pandya for a selfie but couldnโt get close.
๐๐ฎ๐ป: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ข (Go to Hell) ๐ก
๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ธ: Either didnโt hear it, or heard it and chose to ignore.
This incident happenedโฆ pic.twitter.com/B929w11Iwi
Pandya has been an incredibly consistent performer for India in white-ball cricket for India. Having been a vital and impactful player throughout his career, Hardik was named in India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Notably, Pandya's stay at the crease in the 5th T20I against the Proteas witnessed a heartfelt moment. Soon after completing his half-century, Pandya glanced towards the stands and blew flying kisses to his rumoured girlfriend, Maheika Sharma.
Having made his international debut way back in 2016, Pandya has represented India in all three formats, but only plays T20I and ODI formats for the national team at the moment. His last Test appearance for India came during the England tour in 2018. The 32-year-old has 1904 runs and 91 wickets in 94 ODI career matches and also has 2002 runs and 101 wickets in the T20I cricket to his name.