Watch: Hardik Pandya spotted with girlfriend Mahieka; Arshdeep Singh steals the show on India's arrival in Colombo
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Team India received a vibrant and enthusiastic reception upon their arrival in Colombo, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in the T20 World Cup as they prepare to face Pakistan. Local musicians and dancers greeted the players with traditional performances, creating a lively atmosphere at the airport. Among the highlights was Arshdeep Singh’s energetic dance, which quickly captured attention and is likely to go viral on social media. Hardik Pandya also made waves by arriving with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, showcasing his confident style. The team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir maintained a focused demeanor during the welcome ceremony, reflecting the serious approach India is taking ahead of the high-stakes match.
India’s playing XI is expected to feature a strong batting lineup, including players like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya. Rinku Singh and either Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson are also in contention for key roles. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya have demonstrated impressive performances against Pakistan in the past, while Ishan Kishan is currently in good form. Tilak Varma has also shown strong results against Pakistan previously. On the bowling front, Varun Chakravarthy may play a crucial role due to Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches.
With Abhishek Sharma recovering from a stomach infection and looking to bounce back after a tough start to the tournament, India will need every player to contribute at their best. The match against Pakistan is highly anticipated, not just for the cricketing action but also for the cultural significance of the event. Given the history between the two teams and the global fan base of both nations, this clash promises to be one of the highlights of the World Cup. India’s strategy, combined with the energy and performances of their players, will be crucial in determining their success against Pakistan.
The arrival in Colombo and the subsequent match
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026