Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as “Gabbar,” has embarked on a new chapter in his personal life. The cricketer married his longtime partner Sophie Shine in an intimate ceremony held in the Delhi-NCR region on February 21, 2026. The private wedding was attended by close friends, family members, and a few prominent personalities from the cricketing world.
Dhawan, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024, has largely kept his personal life away from the spotlight in recent years. His wedding marks a significant milestone following his divorce from former wife Aesha Mukherjee in 2023. The couple had been married for over a decade and share a son, Zoravar. The separation proceedings had drawn attention at the time, with reports indicating emotional strain during the process. Dhawan’s latest marriage appears to signal a more peaceful and stable phase in his life.
How Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine Met
According to reports, Dhawan and Shine first met in Dubai several years ago. What began as a friendship gradually evolved into a deeper relationship. Over time, their bond strengthened, though the couple maintained a relatively low profile during the early phase of their romance.
Speculation about their relationship gained momentum during the ICC Champions Trophy, when Shine was spotted cheering for Dhawan from the stands. Her public appearance at the high-profile tournament sparked curiosity among fans and media alike.
Dhawan later hinted at rediscovering happiness and inner peace during a public summit appearance, subtly confirming that he had found love again. The couple officially acknowledged their relationship in May 2025, when Shine shared a heartfelt photo on social media captioned “My love ❤️.” The post quickly went viral, drawing warm wishes from fans and well-wishers.
Reports suggest that Dhawan and Shine had been living together for over a year before announcing their engagement on January 12, 2026. Just weeks later, they formalized their relationship with a private wedding ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
Who Is Sophie Shine?
Sophie Shine was born in Ireland and completed her schooling at Castleroy College. She later pursued higher education in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology. Professionally, she serves as a Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi, where she is associated with product consulting and financial services.
Apart from her corporate role, Shine is known to be actively involved in philanthropic initiatives. She is reportedly playing a leadership role in the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, which focuses on education, sports development, and community welfare programs. Her blend of corporate expertise and charitable involvement has earned her appreciation in professional circles.
Dhawan’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Even after stepping away from international cricket, Dhawan continues to enjoy strong financial standing. According to media estimates, his net worth ranges between ₹125 crore and ₹155 crore. A substantial portion of his earnings has come from the Indian Premier League, where he represented franchises such as Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, with total IPL contracts reportedly worth around ₹91.8 crore.
In addition to match fees and BCCI contracts, Dhawan has secured multiple brand endorsements across sectors including technology, paints, and consumer goods. He has also ventured into business partnerships, further strengthening his financial portfolio.
Dhawan owns several premium properties, including a luxury penthouse in Gurugram and a bungalow in Delhi. He has previously held property in Australia as well. His lifestyle reflects his success, with a collection of high-end cars and luxury watches adding to his asset base.
With this new beginning alongside Sophie Shine, Shikhar Dhawan appears ready to embrace a settled and joyful personal life after years in the public spotlight.
