Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has taken a major step in his personal life by announcing his engagement to his girlfriend, Sophie Shine. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram on Monday, January 12, ending months of speculation around Dhawan’s relationship. Shikhar and Sophie had made their relationship public last year on May 1, and their engagement now marks a new chapter in the former cricketer’s life.
Sophie first caught public attention when she posted a picture of the couple with the caption “My love” and a heart emoji, a post that quickly went viral and confirmed what fans had been guessing for some time. Since then, the two have been seen together at various public events. Earlier this year, they were spotted watching a Champions Trophy match in Dubai, and they also appeared at a media conclave where Dhawan hinted that he had found love again.
Sophie was also a regular presence during Dhawan’s stint with Punjab Kings in the IPL, often cheering the team from the stands. Announcing the engagement, Dhawan wrote on Instagram, “From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever.” The heartfelt message was met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow cricketers.
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Sophie Shine is an Irish product consultant currently working as Second Vice President – Product Consultant at Northern Trust Corporation, a US-based financial services company. According to reports, the couple met in the UAE, where Sophie is presently based. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and completed her schooling at Castleroy College in Ireland. Sophie has also become a familiar face on Dhawan’s social media, often appearing in his light-hearted and humorous Instagram videos.
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A report by Hindustan Times has suggested that Shikhar and Sophie are planning to tie the knot in February, though the couple has not officially confirmed the wedding date yet.
This engagement comes after a challenging period in Dhawan’s life. In February 2025, he had spoken openly about the emotional toll of being separated from his son, Zoravar, following his divorce from Aesha Mukherjee. The former couple officially ended their 11-year marriage in October 2023. Dhawan married Aesha in 2011, and she has two daughters from a previous marriage.
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While granting the divorce, a Delhi court noted that Dhawan had suffered mental trauma, including being kept away from his only child for several years. Although he was given visitation rights and access to video calls, Dhawan later revealed that even those avenues of contact were blocked.
Against that backdrop, Dhawan’s engagement to Sophie Shine represents not just a romantic milestone but a fresh start after years of personal hardship.
