Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan announces engagement to girlfriend Sophie Shine

Published - 12 Jan 2026, 21:45 IST | Updated - 12 Jan 2026, 21:56 IST

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has announced his engagement to girlfriend Sophie Shine. The announcement was made through an Instagram post on January 12. Dhawan and Sophie Shine had confirmed their relationship last year on May 1, ending months of speculation around the southpaw’s personal life.

Sophie had posted a picture of the couple with the caption 'My love,' which quickly went viral and was the first public acknowledgment of their relationship. Since then, the duo has been seen together on several occasions, including during a Champions Trophy match in Dubai and at a media conclave, where Dhawan hinted that he had found love again. Sophie was also seen in stands during Dhawan’s stint with Punjab Kings in the IPL. Announcing their engagement, Dhawan shared a photograph of the couple wearing their engagement rings.

"From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings, and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever. ❤️💍 -Shikhar & Sophie," he wrote.

A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

Shikhar Dhawan set to marry longtime girlfriend Sophie Shine

Meanwhile, Shine is an Irish professional currently working as Second Vice President, Product Consultant at Northern Trust Corporation, a US-based financial services firm. Based in Abu Dhabi, Sophie holds a qualification in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and completed her schooling at Castleroy College in Ireland. According to reports, Dhawan and Sophie first met in the UAE, where their friendship turned into a relationship. Notably, Sophie is also involved in philanthropic initiatives and is associated with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation.

The engagement comes after a tough period in Dhawan’s personal life. In February 2025, the former Indian opener had spoken openly about the emotional toll of his divorce from Aesha Mukherjee, which was finalised in October 2023 after an 11-year marriage. The Delhi court, while granting the divorce, observed that Dhawan had suffered mental trauma, particularly due to prolonged separation from his son, Zoravar. Although the cricketer was granted visitation rights and video-call access, he later revealed that communication had been blocked, making the phase distressing for him.

According to multiple reports, Dhawan and Sophie are set to tie the knot in February, with the wedding likely to take place in the third week of the month in the Delhi-NCR region. Preparations for the ceremony are reportedly underway, with cricketers and Bollywood stars expected to attend.