Hardik Pandya presents signed jersey to Kranti Gaud at BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

Hardik Pandya met India women's cricketer Kranti Gaud at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on August 18, 2026, presenting her with a signed jersey and marking her birthday during the encounter. Kranti posted photographs from the meeting on Instagram and wrote, "Thank you so much bhaiya."

Kranti has previously spoken openly about Pandya's influence on her cricketing journey and considers him one of her biggest inspirations. In a video earlier this year she said, "Hardik Pandya has been my idol. I want to be a cricketer like him." The report states she has looked up to his aggressive and fearless style of cricket since her early days.

Pandya's gift — the signed jersey — provides Kranti with a personal memento from the player she has repeatedly credited as an inspiration. The encounter, which included birthday celebrations, is described as bringing that admiration full circle. The meeting took place at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Kranti's admiration for Pandya was visibly expressed during India's World Cup celebrations, when she recreated his trademark victory celebration on the pitch. She placed the trophy on the ground before copying Pandya's famous victory pose moments after India lifted the ICC World Cup trophy. That image went viral and was cited as one of the memorable images from India's title celebrations.

The meeting occurred at an important stage in Kranti's development as a young India cricketer. From playing cricket in the lanes of her hometown to making her mark at the international level, her journey has continued to gather attention. The signed jersey now stands as a tangible reminder of a moment that linked her early admiration for Pandya with her growing profile in the game.