Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya reacted strongly against a section of paparazzi after photographs and videos of his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma surfaced online. In a lengthy statement released via Instagram, the 32-year-old hit out at the media personnel, stating they crossed a line by capturing Mahieka from an unfavourable angle.The Baroda-born cricketer confirmed his relationship with Mahieka in October 2025, following months of speculation after his separation from Natasa Stankovic. Pandya has uploaded several photos on Instagram from a beach getaway with the model-actress. Furthermore, the couple has also been spotted on a handful of occasions in public events together.In a story uploaded on Instagram on December 9, Tuesday, Hardik Pandya urged paps in Mumbai to respect boundaries instead of turning a private moment into 'cheap sensationalism.'"I understand that living in the public eye comes with attention and scrutiny, it's part of the life I've chosen. But today something happened that crossed a line. Mahieka was simply walking down a staircase at a Bandra restaurant when paparazzi decided to capture her from an angle that no woman deserves to be photographed from. A private moment was turned into cheap sensationalism."He continued:"This isn't about headlines or who clicked what, it's about basic respect. Women deserve dignity. Everyone deserves boundaries. To the media brothers who work hard every day: I respect your hustle, and I always cooperate. But I'm requesting you all, please be a little more mindful. Not everything needs to be captured. Not every angle needs to be taken. Let's keep some humanity in this game. Thank you."The seam-bowling all-rounder will be back in action during the first of the five T20Is against South Africa on Tuesday in Cuttack."Pandya can earn a spot in the top five solely on his batting" - Sanjay BangarHardik Pandya last played for India in Asia Cup. (Credits: Getty)Meanwhile, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar claimed that the 32-year-old Pandya is a priceless asset and is irreplaceable in the side due to his all-round abilities. During a conversation with Star Sports, he said:"Consider all the all-rounders in world cricket. Does England have a backup for Ben Stokes? No. Similarly, there is no backup for Ravindra Jadeja in one-day or Test cricket. The same goes for Hardik Pandya. Pandya can earn a spot in the top five solely on his batting. He could also be among the top three seamers in any team if he were just a bowler. To be that kind of allrounder, you must secure your place with both batting and bowling. There is no player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team."India will take confidence from the 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa.