NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya has long been seen as one of Indian cricket’s biggest style icons. From his fashion sense to his ever-evolving hairstyles, Pandya is admired by countless fans who keep a close eye on his off-field looks. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, the star allrounder once again grabbed attention, this time sporting a fresh blonde hairdo.As he walked into the ICC Academy in Dubai, a fan couldn’t help but compliment him on his latest look. “Hairstyle social media pe viral ho gayi hai aapki (your hairstyle is viral on social media),” the fan remarked. Pandya acknowledged the praise with a wide smile, clearly enjoying the buzz his new style had created.But while his hair made headlines, Pandya’s focus remains firmly on the field. Defending champions India are about to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, aiming to extend their dominance in the tournament. Having already won the title a record eight times, the most by any nation, India will once again start as favourites despite the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.India will kick off their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Four days later, all eyes will be on their much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan, scheduled for September 14 at the same venue. The group stage will conclude with a fixture against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.Off the field, Pandya has been making news for reasons that reflect his generosity and gratitude. Recently, he extended significant financial help to his childhood coach Jitendra Singh, reportedly contributing nearly Rs 70–80 lakh to support him and his family.“Hardik and Krunal ensured that my first sister’s wedding went smoothly in 2018 by stepping in with financial support. Later, for my second sister’s wedding in February 2024, they transferred ?20 lakh for a car and also helped with other expenses. Hardik told me, ‘Your sister is my sister. Just inform me when the date is fixed.’ He then took care of everything,” Jitendra revealed in an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.The coach also recalled how Hardik, fresh from his maiden India tour to Australia in 2015-16, gifted him a car worth Rs 5–6 lakh despite not being financially secure himself at the time. “I initially refused, but Hardik insisted, saying, ‘We’re giving you this car for your safety. You shouldn’t have to risk your life riding a bike.’ That gesture showed how much he valued me,” Jitendra added.
