Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has stepped into a new chapter of his personal life after tying the knot with Irish executive Sophie Shine. As photos and short clips from the wedding ceremony began circulating widely on social media, the celebration also triggered a wave of misleading posts about the cricketer’s personal life.

The 40-year-old batter quickly addressed the situation, issuing a public statement clarifying that several claims circulating online were completely false. Dhawan urged users not to spread insensitive or fabricated remarks in his name, emphasising that he prefers to move forward with positivity rather than revisit the past.

“I have come across some posts on social media attributing a disappointing statement about my personal life. I have never carried baggage from the past, whether on or off the pitch. I firmly believe in the power of positivity while respecting my past,” Shikhar Dhawan said in the statement.

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“This is a new chapter in my life, and I feel truly grateful for the love and blessings I have received from my fans, friends, family, well-wishers and media. I strongly urge people not to breed off my name with clickbait, insensitive and false statements on social media. Let’s spread love and positivity,” he added.

Before this new beginning, Dhawan was married to Australia-based kickboxer Aesha Mukerji. Their relationship, which began through social media and eventually led to marriage in October 2012, was often in the public spotlight. The couple welcomed their son Zoravar Dhawan in 2014.

STATEMENT

I have come across some posts on social media attributing a disappointing statement about my personal life. I have never carried baggage from the past be it on the pitch or outside. I firmly believe in the power of positivity while respecting my past.

This is a new…

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 23, 2026

However, their marriage later faced difficulties, and reports of separation began surfacing in 2020. The divorce was eventually finalised in October 2023 after a lengthy legal process. In earlier interviews, Shikhar Dhawan has spoken openly about the emotional challenge of staying away from his son following the separation.

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“It has been difficult, but you learn to live with it. I miss him and speak to him spiritually… I feel through affirmations that I am conversing with him every day, hugging him. I put my energy into it spiritually,” Shikhar Dhawan had said in an interview with ANI.

Despite the challenges, the former Indian opener now appears focused on moving forward with optimism and gratitude.