Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: Indian star allrounder Hardik Pandya made Mahieka Sharma’s 25th birthday special with a heartfelt Instagram post — but it was Mahieka’s reply that truly stole the spotlight.Pandya shared an unseen video of the couple celebrating together, capturing candid moments of laughter, warm hugs and hand-in-hand strolls in an outdoor setting illuminated by fireworks. The clip ended on a romantic note, with the couple releasing a floating lantern into the night sky.

He captioned the video, “Happy birthday, my princess .”Pandya also added an emotional message: “Thank you for coming into this world 25 years ago. You are the most amazing person I know. I love you .”Mahieka’s response quickly grabbed attention. Replying to Pandya’s post, she wrote, “You’re my best gift this year .”Taking it a step further, Mahieka shared a beautiful collage featuring special moments with Pandya and poured her heart out in the caption.“I love my man. Thank you baby for the best birthday ever. I am the luckiest girl in the world,” she said.The couple has made several public appearances together in recent months. Earlier this year, they attended the United in Triumph event in Mumbai, walking hand in hand and twinning in black outfits as they posed for the cameras. Pandya had confirmed their relationship in October 2025, shortly after dating rumours began circulating. Since then, the two have been spotted at the Mumbai airport and on vacations together.

Pandya was previously married to actor Natasa Stankovic. The couple tied the knot in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomed their son Agastya on July 30, 2020. Their separation was confirmed in July 2025 following months of speculation.In a joint statement at the time, they said: “After four years together, Natasha and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest of both of us. This was a tough decision to make, given the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we shared as we built a family together.”

India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo/Solomon Chingono)

India have completed their T20 World Cup group-stage assignments and now brace for a far sterner examination in the Super 8s. The defending champions will face tougher opposition in the next phase, including 2024 runners-up South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. So far, India have underlined their status as title holders by sweeping aside every challenge in the opening round. Speaking on Ash ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin lauded the team’s consistency but admitted that the performance against the Netherlands was not flawless. He pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with care, while Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh were positioned to lift the scoring rate at the right moment. Ashwin emphasised that even when India are not at their sharpest, their overall strength makes them difficult to beat.

“Surya played a very diligent knock. For the acceleration point, Dube, Hardik, and Rinku were there. They knew they could catch up on the scoring rate. But India weren’t extremely good today (vs Netherlands) with the bat, not extremely efficient. But it is such a solid team that even on their ordinary day, they can put you away. They were below par, not at their best. But still, with Varun Chakaravarthy bowling so well, the Netherlands could not pick him. Jasprit Bumrah got swing in the Powerplay and bowled yorkers too,” he said on Ash ki Baat. Ashwin also discussed Tilak Varma’s approach in the shortest format, especially as he works his way back after injury. He underlined that T20 success does not always depend on brute force and highlighted the value of timing and placement. “Tilak Varma is coming back after an injury. We talk about power and strength, but sweet spot and timing are the basic essence of batting. Tilak is not a big power hitter. For him, timing and finding the sweet spot are most important. Please remember, you can play like Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi), but you can also play like Tilak, who relies on timing and picks the gaps,” Ashwin said. Elsewhere, Pakistan confirmed their Super Eights qualification with a win over Namibia, joining India from Group A. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe progressed from Group B, the West Indies and England advanced from Group C, while South Africa and New Zealand moved ahead from Group D in the 20-team tournament. With Australia and New Zealand already assured of entry into the 2028 edition as co-hosts, all teams that have reached the Super Eights, including New Zealand alongside Australia, have now secured qualification for that event.

India’s Shivam Dube celebrates his half-century (ANI Photo)

Ahmedabad: For someone who would get picked for team India only if Hardik Pandya got injured and who even was struggling to find a place in the Mumbai team for one season, Shivam Dube has come a long way. His ability to tonk the spinners for big sixes earned him a recall for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with the selectors preferring him over well-known finisher Rinku Singh.

In the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings allrounder is turning out to be a ‘silent’ (not in the limelight), but violent (highly explosive) hero for India. In a tournament where India’s top order has largely struggled to get going against spinners, Dube’s impactful presence and contributions are worth their weight in gold. On Wednesday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Dube enhanced his credentials as a premier power-hitter in world cricket with a match-winning knock of 66 off just 31 balls, which included half a dozen powerfully struck sixes, against the Netherlands in India’s last league stage match of the T20 World Cup. Unlike the modern T20 specialist batter, Dube doesn’t look to improvise much. Standing still at the crease, the Mumbaikar employs his long levers, timing, and raw power to give the ball a good whack if it is pitched in his arc. Coming into this game, the 32-year-old had produced crucial cameos of 23 (off 16 balls) and 27 (off 17 balls) against Namibia and Pakistan in his previous two outings in the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the build-up to the T20 World Cup, Dube had hammered 65 off 23 balls against New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Vizag last month. On Wednesday, Dube took time to get his eye in and was slightly fortunate to survive a close lbw appeal, which was reviewed by the Dutch, off off-spinner Aryan Dutt. He scored just six off 11 balls before exploding in typical fashion. “It was a little tough on the wicket, but this is the situation I love to bat and I was enjoying it, although I was under pressure for some time. The offspinner [Colin Ackermann] bowled really well to me and four dot balls, a good over from my side, but I knew that I’m going to cover up later. [Some balls] were skidding as well as keeping low. One of the balls spun as well. So, for me, it was like, yes, I can hit him, but at that time the situation demanded something else. So, I had to play at that time,” Dube said at the post-match press conference on Wednesday. Since he knows he has the ability to unleash big sixes, Dube doesn’t get fazed by a few dot balls while starting off. “Yes, obviously when you play dot balls in T20, you feel pressure. But as a player, as a batsman, I know at that time that maybe right now if I am at 2 runs in 10 balls, in the next 5 balls, if I hit two sixes, it will be covered. So that thought always stays in my mind. Yes, the wicket was gone so it is important that we build partnerships, so for that even if 2-4 balls are dot balls it is fine, but later it gets covered,” said Dube, radiating a smile after bagging the Player of the Match award. A few years back, Dube carried an unwanted reputation of being someone who would be uncomfortable against the short ball and genuine pace. However, over time, the left-hander worked on improving his weakness, turning into a better player each year. On Wednesday, he smashed three sixes off Dutch pacer Logan van Beek. Quizzed about how he climbed the learning curve and removed his drawbacks, Dube said, “When you play in those situations, you learn. So, I have become a little smart in that situation. I know, yes, this bowler can come to me on this ball, or a fast bowler can bowl short or slower balls – I’ve worked on those things. And now I’m getting better. Game awareness is important and it has gotten better from my side,” Dube said. “When I [first] came to CSK [Chennai Super Kings], there was something I was struggling with. It was important to come back strong, because I know I can dominate. I worked really hard on the short ball. I knew it’s not going to be easy [to make the changes], but I had to give it extra time and play extra balls. That’s what I did.” “I know all the bowlers, they’re going to [try and] block me as well,” Dube said. “They’ll not bowl me yorkers or length balls. They’re going to come short. They’re going to bowl me slower balls. So I prepared myself, so I was waiting for that. When I came today, it was not that I can take the strike rate high [immediately], but at some time there was something I thought, this is the time I can go now. I knew today was my day.” Until the 2024 T20 World Cup, Dube’s strike rate against pace in T20Is was 134, but now it’s gone up to 172. Aware that pacers are going to aim to give him some ‘chin music’, Dube is ready for the challenge. “I know all the bowlers, they’re going to [try and] block me as well,” Dube said. “They’ll not bowl me yorkers or length balls. They’re going to come short. They’re going to bowl me slower balls. So I prepared myself, so I was waiting for that. When I came today, it was not that I can take the strike rate high [immediately], but at some time there was something I thought, this is the time I can go now. I knew today was my day,” Dube said. Beaming when told that this was his maiden T20 World Cup fifty, Dube chose to bat for some of his hyped-up teammates as well. “It’s about who has the day,” Dube said, striking a philosophical tone. “I think in our team all of us are match-winners, anyone can hit big sixes on any day, and I felt today is the day, so I need to be a little smart, push myself, stay till the end, but I also need to regain my strength as well. That’s what I did. That’s why I’m a power hitter,” Dube said. Besides his batting, Dube’s bowling – thanks to many useful sessions with bowling coach and former South African pacer Morne Morkel – has also improved significantly. After his heroics with the bat, he took two for 35 in three overs on Wednesday night. Reflecting the team’s confidence in his seam bowling, skipper Suryakumar Yadav turned to Dube when the Netherlands needed 28 in the final over. The Dutch got 10, and Dube took a wicket.

Jasprit Bumrah appeals successfully for the wicket of Pakistan’s Saim Ayub. (PTI Photo)

Only remnants of a once-terrific rivalry remain as India show depth and batting smarts to turn tables on Pakistan for runaway 61-run winForget the outside noise. The gulf in class between India and Pakistan is simply enormous at the moment.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Going into the Sunday encounter, Pakistan had a lot of things in their favour. They have been in Lanka for a significant amount of time, played two games on slow pitches and were well adjusted to the conditions. Add to that, they won the toss and after taking the timid call of fielding, even had the dynamite Abhishek Sharma in the first over.

But what happened after that was just a rerun of the remains of a rivalry that once had the cricket world in awe.They ran into Ishan Kishan, who wasn’t probably on top of their planning charts. The left-hander was nowhere close to a T20 World Cup selection when India won the Asia Cup six months ago.A superb Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Jharkhand and Shubman Gill’s loss in T20 form led to the call-up for the 27-year-old and today, he is the toast of the nation.The Premadasa pitch was super slow, the ball was not coming on to the bat, but what Ishan did in a period of 46 balls, of which he faced 39, left India on a very strong footing.Later in the evening, the Indian bowlers had way too much quality and when Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya made it 13/3 in the first three overs, it was all but done.After Bumrah’s burst of pace and accuracy, it was Axar Patel’s stump to stump spell of 2-29 that killed the game. What should give India even bigger satisfaction is the fact that their two spin trumpcards Varun and Kuldeep Yadav didn’t even have to finish their spells to wrap this one up by 61 runs.But this game will be remembered for the way Kishan (77 off 40) batted. He launched into paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi, hitting him for a couple of sixes in the second over. And then, it was his assault on the spinners. The likes of Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan didn’t know where to bowl to Ishan, as he held his shape, and generated tremendous power with his cut, pull and sweep shots.The first six overs went for 52, which was significantly above par on this pitch.Pakistan captain Agha made the mistake of not introducing his trump card Usman Tariq early and Ishan kept on creating havoc. There was zero fear in his approach as the shots flew from his bat.It was allrounder Saim Ayub, who finally removed him with a delivery that hurried off just a bit. It was after Ishan’s dismissal that you could see the demons that lay in the pitch.None of the other batters could get going on a consistent basis and Ayub and Tariq took over from the 10th over. Tariq, with his box of tricks kept Surya and Tilak Verma in check as boundaries dried up.To Surya’s credit though, he didn’t try to look for non-existent big shots. Instead, during his 29-ball 32, he kept the scoreboard ticking knowing that 175 would be above par.Tilak and Hardik Pandya were dismissed off consecutive balls by Ayub in the 15th over, but India still had too much depth in the tank.Surya and Dube kept waiting for the right bowlers to take on — in this case Abrar and Afridi — who came back for their second spells. It was another mistake by Agha to try these two later in the innings.

Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha (ICC Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions India sent a strong message to the cricketing world with a 61-run demolition of Pakistan in their high-stakes Group A clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, securing their spot in the Super Eights. “I think this is for India,” said captain Suryakumar Yadav after India’s big win.

“We played the same brand of cricket we wanted to play. Batting first was the better option on this wicket. Ishan thought something out of the box. After 0/1, someone had to take responsibility and the way he took it was amazing.”The defining moment came at the top as Ishan Kishan unleashed a breathtaking 77 off 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, to put India firmly in control. Tilak Varma (25) and Suryakumar Yadav (32) added crucial support, ensuring India reached 175/7 despite a challenging surface. Shivam Dube’s quickfire 27 in the death overs pushed the total to a competitive 176.Pakistan’s reply never gained momentum. Hardik Pandya struck in the first over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a four-ball duck. Jasprit Bumrah then tore through the top order, sending Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha back to the pavilion inside two overs. Usman Khan offered resistance with a fluent 44, stitching minor partnerships with Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, but his stumping to Axar Patel ended any faint hopes of a comeback.The Indian bowlers were ruthless in unison. Kuldeep Yadav trapped Mohammad Nawaz, Tilak Varma removed Shadab Khan, and Varun Chakaravarthy added two late wickets. Pandya, after seeing a couple of catches go down off his bowling, ensured the finale by knocking back Usman Tariq’s middle stump. Pakistan’s innings folded for 114 in just 18 overs, their third-lowest T20 World Cup total.“It was great to see everyone contributing with the ball,” Surya said. “We’ll go back, have a good time together as a team and then think about the other games when we take the flight to Ahmedabad,” he said.

Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha, left, looks at India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo/)

There was no handshake after the match between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, continuing the icy stand-off that began during the Asia Cup last September.“I will break the suspense tomorrow. Wait for 24 hours,” Suryakumar Yadav had said on the eve of the match. Twenty four hours later, the message was clear and unambiguous. There would be no handshakes.

The frost between the two sides remained evident not only at the toss but also after the game. Just as in their meetings during the Asia Cup in Dubai last year, the players did not exchange handshakes once the contest ended on Sunday.On the field, India produced a commanding performance. Opener Ishan Kishan’s supersonic 77 off 40 balls powered India to 175 for seven after being asked to bat first on a tacky surface. He shared an 87 run stand with Tilak Varma, whose contribution was 11, as Kishan dominated the Pakistan attack.The match began on an unusual note with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha bringing himself on for off spin in the first over and dismissing Abhishek Sharma, who holed out to Shaheen Shah Afridi. Saim Ayub, who finished with 3 for 25, and Agha kept the pressure on during the power play.Kishan, however, turned the tide. He pulled Afridi for a towering six and then dismantled the spinners. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan were struck for boundaries and sixes as Kishan raced to a 27 ball fifty. He eventually fell trying to carve Ayub over mid wicket, missing the ball and losing his stumps.Pakistan clawed back through Ayub, who removed Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya off successive deliveries to leave India at 126 for four. Suryakumar Yadav made 32 off 28 balls, while Shivam Dube added 27 off 17. A 15 run final over from Afridi, in which Dube and Rinku Singh attacked, carried India to 175 for seven.In reply, India’s bowlers never allowed Pakistan to settle. Hardik Pandya struck in the opening over to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah followed with a double strike, removing Saim Ayub and Salman Agha as Pakistan slumped to 13 for three.Axar Patel bowled Babar Azam and later dismissed Usman Khan, who top scored with 44 off 34 balls. A brief 39 run partnership between Usman and Shadab Khan offered resistance before another collapse set in.Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wickets in the 16th over, and Hardik returned to take the final wicket as Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in the 18th over. Hardik, Bumrah, Axar and Varun took two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma picked up one apiece.

Team India’s arrival in Colombo (ANI video grab)

NEW DELHI: Team India got a grand and colourful welcome when they landed in Colombo on Friday ahead of their high-voltage T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. Local musicians and dancers greeted the players at the airport with traditional drums and performances, creating a festive atmosphere. Arshdeep Singh grabbed everyone’s attention by dancing to the beats, and his fun moment is expected to go viral on social media.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir looked serious and focused as he walked through the welcome ceremony, staying true to his intense personality. Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya arrived in style with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, showing his trademark swagger with a trendy look. Watch: Pacer Arshdeep Singh stole the show with his energetic dance and cheerful vibe.On the cricket field, India will hope to make Pakistan “dance” with their performance. The team will rely on a strong batting lineup featuring players like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and either Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson. Abhishek is recovering from a stomach infection and will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the tournament.Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya have impressive records against Pakistan in past matches, and Ishan Kishan is also in good form. Tilak Varma has done well against Pakistan before and will aim to deliver another strong performance in the big clash.Since Sri Lanka is known for spin-friendly pitches, Varun Chakravarthy could be an important bowler for India and may play a key role in the match.

Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan (PTI Photo)

Following his match-winning knock against Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup clash in Delhi, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan opened up about the advice he received from all-rounder Hardik Pandya after losing his BCCI central contract in 2024. Kishan revealed how Hardik urged him not to dwell on the setback but to make the most of every opportunity in domestic cricket.Kishan’s explosive 24-ball 61, along with Hardik’s blazing 28-ball 52 and two wickets, powered India to a commanding 93-run win over Namibia. After the game, the two shared a light-hearted conversation about their performances and the tough phase Kishan endured following the loss of his contract over alleged lack of commitment to red-ball and domestic cricket.

Interestingly, Hardik himself was navigating a challenging period in early 2024. After returning to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans — where he had led the side to an IPL title — he was appointed MI captain. The decision triggered heavy backlash from sections of fans loyal to former skipper Rohit Sharma, with loud boos and criticism greeting Hardik at several venues.During this period, Hardik and Ishan spent considerable time together, bonding and training extensively. Determined to respond with performances, Kishan piled on the runs in domestic cricket. He began with a century for India-C in the Duleep Trophy, followed by 38 in the Irani Cup. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he struck a century for Jharkhand. He also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 316 runs in seven matches in the latter at an average of over 45 and a strike rate exceeding 128, including a hundred.Kishan carried that momentum into the IPL, scoring 354 runs in his debut season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, including a century against Rajasthan Royals. A stint with Nottinghamshire in County cricket saw him register two fifties. He then led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title, topping the charts with 517 runs in 10 innings, including two centuries and two fifties. A breathtaking 39-ball 125 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka further strengthened his case for national selection.His return to India’s T20I squad against New Zealand proved fruitful, as he emerged as the second-highest run-getter with 215 runs at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of over 231, including a century and a fifty. Notably, there was marked improvement in his off-side play and six-hitting ability.When he brought up his maiden T20I century against New Zealand in Kerala, Hardik was at the non-striker’s end, sharing an emotional hug as Kishan reached the milestone.Reflecting on his time away, Kishan said that although he is “not the kind of person to stay quiet”, Hardik advised him to let his bat do the talking.“I am usually not the kind of person who will keep quiet, but because I was in touch with him and he was like, ‘It’s up to you whether you want to talk to somebody about it or go negative about it. It is in your hand’. And that was playing cricket and scoring runs. And doing well in whichever tournaments I was playing in. Credit also goes to him (for helping him in his India comeback),” said Kishan.Hardik, meanwhile, recalled Kishan’s century against the Kiwis with pride, highlighting the journey they have shared.“The rhythm in which you smashed it, the way the ball left your bat, I was extremely happy. For the last two years, you have worked really hard behind the scenes, kept quiet. Even when the opportunity did not come, you were still smiling, keeping the spirit high and working hard,” said Hardik.“Hard work is supposed to happen when no one is watching. And that is the actual benefit. No matter what happens in life, do not be a crybaby. Get up in the morning, work hard, put your head down and sleep. Again, repeat it. He has taken the torch, responded with the bat, and I am really proud of it,” the all-rounder concluded.

Hardik Pandya (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India put up another commanding all-round performance, thrashing Namibia by 93 runs in their T20 World Cup encounter on Thursday to register their second consecutive victory of the tournament. Powered by aggressive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, the defending champions piled up a daunting 209/9 before bowling Namibia out for 116 in 18.2 overs.After the match, Pandya reflected on his form and preparation, saying, “Yeah, definitely, just enjoying the sport. Had a good couple of months to prepare and, you know, get the rhythm and, you know, get the body right. Thus far everything is going well.” Highlighting how much his batting means to him, he added, “Yes, I’ve always taken pride in my batting as an all-rounder. So whenever I get an opportunity, I make sure that both the skills are managed rightly… batting is always close to my heart. And when that comes, it’s a, you know, if you add the more sugar to the cake.”

Pandya also elaborated on the effort that goes into staying in peak physical condition. “Body has been fantastic. I’ve always mentioned it takes a lot of hard work, which I cherish. But, you know, playing for the country has always been a pride, always been my number priority,” he said. “A lot of work goes behind the scene where I’m kind of out and kind of go into army, army sort of a camp where I do morning, evening sessions… make sure I eat well, make sure I sleep well, make sure my habits are good.”Put in to bat, India began in explosive fashion, with Kishan in particularly commanding form. The left-hander went on the attack from the outset, hammering 61 off just 24 balls and reaching his half-century in only 20 deliveries as India surged past 100 within the first seven overs.Pandya then anchored the middle phase with authority, striking a polished 52 off 28 balls and adding a vital 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube (23 off 16), allowing India to keep the scoreboard ticking despite periodic setbacks.Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus stood out with the ball, employing smart variations to return career-best figures of 4/20. His spell helped stem the flow late in the innings as India lost five wickets for just four runs, but the target remained well beyond Namibia’s reach.Chasing 210, Namibia failed to match the required tempo, even though a few batters showed promise at the start. Varun Chakravarthy was exceptional with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3/7 from two overs.India had opened their campaign with a win over the USA, followed it up with this emphatic victory against Namibia, and will now turn their attention to a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Colombo.

Thomas Draca (Image credit: Special arrangements)

NEW DELHI: When the legendary Sachin Tendulkar retired, he left the crowd with a piece of timeless advice: “Chase your dreams, they do come true.” For Italy allrounder Thomas Draca, one long-cherished dream is now within reach — meeting his idol, Hardik Pandya, during the T20 World Cup. On the field, whether with bat or ball, Draca strives to mirror Pandya’s intensity and fearless approach to the game.But his admiration doesn’t stop at cricketing skills alone. Draca also tries to emulate Pandya’s energy and demeanor off the field, reflecting the all-rounder’s professionalism and charisma in his own conduct.

“It’s my dream to play alongside him [Hardik Pandya]. I don’t really look forward to playing against him or bowling to him, but if we qualify and I get the chance to play against him or meet him, it would be an incredible experience. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to and model my game after. I’m an all-rounder too, and I really admire the way he approaches the game — the way he engages with the public and carries himself in the media. That’s something I try to emulate now,” Draca told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.

“Matching his energy is tough — he’s always on top of his game. If I can mirror that as I progress, I think I’ll be on the right path for a good career. I’d love to chat with him, get some tips. He seems like such a nice guy and has been one of my heroes growing up. I love how he plays fearlessly, takes on the contest with both bat and ball, and that’s what I’m trying to do myself. If I can do a little of that, I’ll know I’m heading in the right direction,” he added.Italy, a nation long celebrated for its football domination, is set to make its maiden appearance on the T20 World Cup stage. The Azzurri find themselves in a challenging group alongside Scotland, West Indies, Nepal, and England.Despite the stiff competition, 25-year-old Draca remains confident about Italy’s chances of progressing to the Super Eights, eager to make a mark on the global stage; meet his idol Pandya and ask him the questions he has already noted in his travel diary.

“One thing I’d ask him is how much his watch is worth — he’s wearing a Royal Oak! (laughs) Just kidding. I’d also ask about his variations, especially in the back end of the innings. I really like his off-cutter and knuckleball, so I’d probably ask him about those,” he said.“Then, I’d just have a chat and try to pick his brain. Whether it’s for five seconds or five minutes, I don’t care — we’ll see how long the conversation goes,” Draca added with a smile.A ‘SPECIAL’ PENDANTThe 25-year-old Draca has been honing his skills under the guidance of legends Dennis Lillee and Carlos Brathwaite.Lillee has been mentoring him in the art of pace bowling, while Brathwaite, famous for hitting four successive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over of the 2016 T20 World Cup to secure the title for West Indies, has been shaping his all-round game.

“I was fortunate to meet Carlos Brathwaite during a franchise stint. Over the past year and a half, he’s really taken me under his wing. I’ve flown to Barbados multiple times to work out with his S&C coach, Jamar. He’s invested a lot of time in my cricket. Carlos always tells me to stay calm and be myself on the pitch. Don’t worry about the pressure — just enjoy the game. That mindset has really helped me stay relaxed, focus on my plans, and perform,” Draca said.“I’ve also got Dennis Lillee as a mentor. He guided me when I was 17, helping me through rehab and teaching me discipline both on and off the field. He even gave me his World Series chain to wear during the World Cup, which is an incredible inspiration. I know I’ll be emotional the first time I put it on,” he added.“Having that chain around my neck reminds me of the belief these greats have in me. It gives me the confidence to keep things simple, bowl fast, enjoy the game, and perform for my country,” Draca said.