Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan confirmed his relationship with Irish product consultant Sophie Shine on May 1, 2025, through a heartfelt Instagram post. The couple's announcement comes after months of speculation surrounding their relationship, which began gaining traction during the ICC Champions Trophy held earlier this year in Dubai.
In the Instagram post, Dhawan shared a photo of the two together, captioned "My ❤️," effectively putting to rest any doubts about their romance. The post quickly went viral, garnering congratulatory messages from fans and supporters alike. This marks a significant moment for Dhawan, who has faced personal challenges following his divorce from Aesha Mukherjee.
Sophie Shine, who currently resides in Abu Dhabi, serves as the Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation, a well-known American financial services company. Her professional background includes a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology, as well as education at Castleroy College in Ireland. Shine's career achievements and her recent presence in Dhawan's life have drawn considerable attention.
Dhawan's relationship with Shine reportedly began after they met in the UAE, where they were first seen together in November 2024. Their connection deepened over time, with Shine accompanying Dhawan to various events, including the Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh, where Dhawan served as one of the ambassadors.
Before confirming his new relationship, Dhawan had been candid about the emotional turmoil he experienced following his separation from Mukherjee. In February 2025, he disclosed that it had been two years since he last saw his son, Zoravar, and over a year since they last spoke. The couple officially divorced in October 2023 after 11 years of marriage, with the court noting Dhawan's mental distress caused by his ex-wife's actions, which included limiting his contact with their son.
Despite the challenges, Dhawan has expressed a desire to move forward and embrace love again. During a media conclave earlier in 2025, he hinted at his relationship, stating, "I will not take any names. But the most beautiful girl in the room is my girlfriend. Now you can figure it out." His openness about his journey has resonated with fans, many of whom admire his resilience.
As Dhawan embarks on this new chapter with Shine, he remains focused on balancing his personal life with his career. Having retired from professional cricket in August 2024, Dhawan has continued to engage with the sport through various leagues, including the Legends League Cricket and Nepal Premier League.
Shine's growing social media presence, with over 134,000 followers on Instagram, adds another layer to their relationship. The couple has been seen together at various events, including IPL matches, where Shine has shown her support for Dhawan’s endeavors.
Dhawan’s past relationship with Mukherjee was not without its difficulties. The couple faced numerous challenges, leading to a painful custody battle over their son. The Delhi court that granted their divorce acknowledged the emotional distress Dhawan suffered due to his ex-wife’s actions. Although he was awarded visitation rights and the ability to communicate with Zoravar through video calls, Dhawan has claimed he has been blocked from all online contact with his son.
Now, with Shine by his side, Dhawan appears to be embracing a new beginning. The couple's public displays of affection and supportive posts on social media indicate a strong bond, one that has emerged from the shadows of Dhawan's past.
As fans celebrate this new relationship, many are hopeful for Dhawan's happiness and success in both his personal and professional life. With Shine's support, he seems ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, both as a father and as a public figure.
In a world where personal lives often become fodder for speculation, Dhawan's candidness about his journey offers a refreshing perspective. His story is one of resilience, healing, and the pursuit of happiness, reminding us that love can be found again after heartache.
