Shikhar Dhawan marries Sophie Shine: Here's how the Indian cricket star met his wife

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, popularly known as “Gabbar”, has entered a new phase in his personal life after marrying his longtime girlfriend Sophie Shine in an intimate ceremony on February 21, 2026. Dhawan, who retired from international cricket in 2024, tied the knot in a private wedding in the Delhi-NCR region attended by close friends, family members and several figures from the cricketing fraternity.

The wedding comes after his divorce from former wife Aesha Mukherjee in 2023. The couple had been married for 11 years and have a son, Zoravar. The court had noted mental distress during the divorce proceedings. Dhawan’s recent marriage marks what appears to be a more settled and positive phase in his life.

Their romance timeline

According to reports, Dhawan and Shine had been in a relationship for several years and initially met in Dubai, where their friendship gradually developed into a romantic bond. Speculation about their relationship intensified during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 when Shine was seen in the stands supporting him.


Later, at a public summit, Dhawan hinted at finding “peace” and love again in life. The couple made their relationship official on social media in May 2025, when Shine shared a picture with the caption “My love ❤️,” which quickly went viral. Reports suggest they had been living together for over a year before announcing their engagement on January 12. The couple subsequently got married in the presence of close friends and family.

Who is Sophie Shine?

Sophie Shine was born in Ireland and studied at Castleroy College. She later pursued Marketing and Management at the Limerick Institute of Technology. She currently works as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi, where she is associated with product consulting. Shine is also involved in philanthropic initiatives and is understood to be leading the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, focusing on education and sports development.

Dhawan’s net worth and lifestyle

Despite stepping away from international cricket, Dhawan continues to remain financially strong. According to reports by GQ and The Times of India, his net worth is estimated between ₹125 crore and ₹155 crore. A significant portion of his earnings has come from the Indian Premier League, with total contracts worth around ₹91.8 crore from franchises such as Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.

His income streams also include BCCI contracts, endorsements across sectors such as technology, paints and consumer goods, as well as business partnerships. Dhawan owns several high-value properties, including a luxury penthouse in Gurugram, a bungalow in Delhi, and previously held property in Australia. His assets also include luxury cars and a premium watch collection.