India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has set social media abuzz with a striking new blonde hairstyle as Team India prepares for the Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates. The cricketer, known for his flamboyant style both on and off the field, revealed his latest transformation via Instagram this week, prompting fans to draw comparisons to Caribbean superstar Nicholas Pooran.
Pandya, 31, emerged in Dubai on Thursday to join his national teammates ahead of the marquee tournament. Sharing pictures with the caption “New me!” the Mumbai Indians skipper displayed a short, sharp haircut dyed sandy blonde. The bold look quickly went viral, inspiring a wave of admiration and a flurry of memes across platforms. Several social media users were quick to dub the new style “Nicholas Pooran vibes,” referencing the West Indies batter often seen with similarly styled hair.
While Hardik’s evolving style has always garnered attention, the buzz around his latest makeover comes at a pivotal moment. India’s squad for the Asia Cup features multiple changes, with Suryakumar Yadav appointed captain and the side fielding a mix of fresh faces. Pandya—once widely tipped as the national T20I captain-in-waiting—enters the tournament with high expectations, especially after his recent stints as Mumbai Indians leader in the IPL and a key role during India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
Fans’ reactions to the “blonde Hardik” have ranged from playful banter to full-blown tributes. “Swag ho toh bhai jaisa!” declared one top comment, while others debated whether Pandya or Pooran owned the look better. Despite lively social media debate, the all-rounder seems unfazed, staying focused on his fitness and training in the Emirates. “The haircut has added to his flair, but expectations from him on the field are higher than ever,” said a senior BCCI source.
India’s Asia Cup campaign begins with a clash against UAE on September 10, followed by keenly anticipated matches against Pakistan and Oman. Pandya’s experience with 94 ODIs, 114 T20Is, and standout IPL performances will be crucial to India’s ambitions as they pursue continental supremacy without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20I cricket ahead of the season.
As Indian fans await on-field fireworks, Pandya’s style statement has already won him the early headlines, setting the tone for a tournament filled with both sporting and social buzz
