Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most charismatic cricketers, has officially confirmed his relationship with Sophie Shine by sharing a romantic post on social media. The announcement was made on Thursday, May 1, and has since garnered widespread attention and gone viral across platforms.
Sophie Shine, an Irish national and professional working in the financial sector, also posted a picture of herself with Dhawan. She captioned the photo with a simple yet heartfelt message: “My love,” followed by a heart emoji. This public declaration has put an end to the swirling speculations that had surrounded Dhawan’s love life in recent months.
The couple was earlier seen together during a Champions Trophy match held in Dubai in early 2025. They were also present at a media conclave, where Dhawan made a cryptic but telling remark about his romantic life. When asked by the event host to reveal his partner, Dhawan responded, “I will not take any names. But the most beautiful girl in the room is my girlfriend. Now you can figure it out.” This subtle confirmation set tongues wagging, and now the Instagram post has confirmed what many fans had suspected.
Sophie Shine is a seasoned professional in the financial services industry. According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently holds the position of Second Vice President - Product Consultant at Northern Trust Corporation, a major American financial institution. She is based in the United Arab Emirates, where the couple reportedly first met.
Originally from Ireland, Sophie studied at the Limerick Institute of Technology, where she earned a degree in Marketing and Management. She also attended Castleroy College during her early academic years. With a strong professional background and international work experience, Sophie has built a successful career, which she balances alongside her newly public relationship with one of India's most recognized cricketers. While their romantic involvement had been hinted at previously, this is the first time either Dhawan or Shine has confirmed it publicly. The post instantly drew attention from fans, followers, and media outlets, making the couple trend across social media platforms.
Dhawan’s decision to go public with his relationship comes after a turbulent period in his personal life. The former India opener separated from his wife Aesha Mukherjee in October 2023, bringing an end to a marriage that lasted over a decade. Aesha, who had two daughters from a previous relationship, married Dhawan in 2011. The couple’s marriage began with much fanfare but reportedly faced several challenges over the years.
In February 2025, Dhawan opened up about the emotional toll of his divorce during an interview. He shared that it had been two years since he last saw his son, Zoravar, and over a year since they last spoke. The revelations painted a painful picture of a father grappling with the loss of connection with his only child.
The Delhi court that finalized the divorce recognized that Dhawan had endured significant mental distress during the marriage. It acknowledged that his ex-wife, Aesha, had kept him away from his son for extended periods. According to the court documents, Aesha either did not challenge or failed to defend herself against the allegations. Despite this, Dhawan was not granted permanent custody of Zoravar. He was, however, awarded visitation rights and allowed to communicate with his son via video calls from both India and Australia, where Aesha and Zoravar currently reside.
In a recent statement, Dhawan claimed that all forms of digital communication with his son had been blocked, further complicating his efforts to stay in touch. This ongoing battle for contact has struck a chord with many of his fans, who have expressed empathy and support. The emergence of his relationship with Sophie Shine marks a hopeful new chapter for the cricketer. Known for his positive energy and flamboyant style on and off the field, Dhawan seems to be rediscovering happiness in his personal life. Fans have largely responded positively to his new relationship, applauding his resilience and courage in moving forward.
As of now, there has been no official statement from Sophie Shine beyond her social media post. The couple’s decision to go public has added a personal dimension to Dhawan’s otherwise cricket-focused narrative. It’s evident that both are taking gradual steps to build a future together, balancing personal commitments with demanding professional lives. Whether this relationship will lead to further milestones remains to be seen. For now, Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine appear to be embracing their bond, choosing openness and positivity after a period marked by emotional challenges.
