Hardik Pandya admits he’s used only ‘40%’ of his batting potential; Credits Mahieka Sharma for the turnaround

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has spoken candidly about the transformative influence his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, has had on both his personal life and professional career.

Hardik publicly confirmed his relationship with Mahieka in late 2025, more than a year after his separation from Natasa Stankovic in July 2024. Since making their relationship official, the couple has often been seen together at public appearances and outings. Mahieka has also been spotted spending time with Hardik and Natasa’s son, Agastya, reflecting a positive and supportive environment.

Reflecting on Untapped Potential

In a recent conversation with JioStar, Hardik admitted that he believes he has not yet fully realised his capabilities as a batter.


“After the last IPL, I realised that I really wanted to play to my full potential. I think until now, I haven't utilised more than 40 per cent of my batting potential. What I know as a cricketer, what I imagine, what I manifest, and how I practice, have not translated into performance by more than 40 per cent. I took some time in my life to figure out how to bring that out. That's when Mahieka came into my life. We started talking about the sport and how to bring that child back,” he said.

Hardik explained that this period of introspection pushed him to reassess his mindset and approach to the game.

Rediscovering the Love for Cricket

According to the all-rounder, Mahieka played a significant role in helping him reconnect with the passion that once drove him as a young cricketer.

“Mahieka helped me rediscover that excitement for the game that I always had. I went behind the scenes, worked really hard, and had a good amount of batting sessions. There were days when I was on the ground for six to seven hours,” Hardik added.

He revealed that he committed himself to intense training sessions, dedicating long hours to improving his batting and refining his skills.

On Valentine’s Day 2026, Hardik made a heartfelt gesture to mark his relationship. He got the initial ‘M’ — representing Mahieka — tattooed on the back of his neck, symbolising his affection and commitment.

With renewed focus and emotional stability, Hardik appears determined to unlock his full potential and take his cricketing journey to greater heights.