Veteran Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has officially confirmed his relationship with Sophie Shine, putting an end to months of speculation about their bond. The announcement came via a heart warming Instagram post on Thursday, where Shine shared a picture of the couple together with a simple but affectionate caption: “My love .”
While the two have been spotted together multiple times in recent months, this is the first time either of them has acknowledged their relationship publicly. The post, shared in collaboration with Dhawan, has been received warmly by fans and fellow cricketers, who have flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages.
A New Chapter After a Difficult Divorce
This marks the first time Dhawan has gone public with a romantic relationship since his divorce from Aesha Mukerji was finalized in 2023. The separation ended their nine-year marriage and was reportedly filed on grounds of “cruelty and mental agony,” as per legal proceedings. The couple shares a son, Zoravar, who lives with Aesha in Australia.
Dhawan, who is known for his resilience both on and off the field, seems to have found joy again, and fans have expressed their happiness at seeing the former opener embrace a fresh start in his personal life.
Who Is Sophie Shine?
Sophie Shine hails from Ireland and has carved out a successful career in the corporate world. She currently serves as the Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi, a multinational financial services firm. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology, and is an alumna of Castleroy College.
With a strong academic background and a growing professional portfolio, Shine has proven herself as an independent and accomplished woman. Despite having no direct connection to cricket, she has shown a growing interest in the sport — frequently accompanying Dhawan to matches and tournaments.
Growing Public Presence and Cultural Embrace
Sophie has been making waves on social media, not just for her relationship with Dhawan, but also for embracing Indian culture. Her Instagram features her donning traditional Indian attire, visiting cultural landmarks, and even making fun reels with Dhawan. Fans were quick to notice her presence at key cricketing events, including her attendance with Dhawan at the ICC Champions Trophy, where he was appointed as a brand ambassador.
Her growing visibility within Indian circles has sparked interest, with many appreciating her efforts to engage with Indian traditions and customs. Whether it’s attending IPL 2024 matches or joining Dhawan during festival celebrations, Shine appears to be immersing herself fully in the cricketer’s world.
The Timeline of Their Relationship
While the exact date the couple started dating remains private, a report by Hindustan Times suggests that the first social media interaction between them occurred in June 2023, when Dhawan liked one of Shine’s Instagram posts. Sources close to the couple indicate they may have met in Dubai, possibly a few years ago. What began as a casual friendship reportedly evolved into a more serious relationship.
According to those in the know, Dhawan and Shine moved in together over a year ago, suggesting their bond has been strong and steady away from the public eye. The couple’s low-key but affectionate approach to their relationship has resonated well with fans, who admire Dhawan’s journey from heartbreak to happiness.
Dhawan’s Life Post-Cricket
Since announcing his retirement in 2024, Dhawan has transitioned into various off-field roles. Besides his continued involvement in cricket as a mentor and commentator, he has taken on brand ambassador responsibilities, dabbled in motivational speaking, and engaged in social initiatives related to fitness and youth empowerment.
His personal reinvention has been as commendable as his cricketing career. Once the backbone of India’s top order in white-ball cricket, Dhawan’s ability to bounce back from challenges continues to inspire fans. His openness about mental health, parenting, and now love, has helped humanize his public persona even more.
With Dhawan and Shine now stepping into the limelight as a couple, they appear to be taking their journey forward with grace and joy. While their love story is still unfolding, one thing is certain: both are walking into this new chapter of life with hearts full of hope — and fans cheering from the sidelines.
