Shikhar Dhawan, cricket’s “Gabbar” – retired from international play in 2024 but hit a personal six: Marrying his longtime girlfriend Sophie Shine in an intimate wedding on February 21, 2026. Post-divorce from ex-wife Aesha Mukherjee, Shikhar and Sophie’s intimate wedding in Delhi-NCR was attended by cricket stars and their families. Fans adore their globe-trotting vibe – from Dubai meets to fun Insta reels. But who is the Irish woman who stole Shikhar’s heart? Read on to know more about Sophie, and their story which will make you believe in love again:
Their romance timeline
Shikhar and Sophie dated each other quietly for years, meeting in Dubai where their friendship turned into romance, as per reports. Speculation about them dating peaked during Champions Trophy 2025 – when Sophie was seen her in stands with Shikhar. Later, speaking at a summit, Shikhar also hinted at finding “peace” and love again in life. And in May 2025, they made their relationship Insta-official! Sophie posted their picture captioned “My love ❤️,” going viral on social media. The couple often posts reels and pictures together, and they also travel and attend cricket matches together. As per HT, they also lived together over a year before taking their relationship to the next level. On January 12, the couple announced their engagement and on February 21 they got married in the presence of close friends and family.
Shikhar now seems to be in a happier phase in life, after years of personal struggles. For the unversed, Shikhar was married to Aesha Mukherji for 11 years and has a son named Zoravar with her.
But their marriage ended in a divorce in 2023; the court-noted mental distress. Now it seems, Sophie’s steady presence has helped him heal.
Meet Sophie Shine
Sophie Shine was born in Ireland, and studied at Castleroy College where she earned Marketing/Management from Limerick Institute of Technology. She works as the Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi (UAE-based Product Consultant), and she also Heads Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, driving education/sports initiatives.
Shikhar’s net worth: IPL riches to luxury life
Retirement hasn’t slowed “Gabbar’s” scorecard. As per reports by GQ and TOI, Shikhar’s net worth is estimated to be around INR 125 to INR 155 crore. As per ET Now, it’s majorly from:
IPL Haul: Rs 91.8 crore (Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals).
BCCI contracts, endorsements (tech, paints, snacks).
Businesses/partnerships keep brand value soaring.
Properties: Gurugram’s 6,040-sq-ft Dahlias penthouse ( worth roughly INR 69 cr); Delhi bungalow (INR 5+ cr, where he has MS Dhoni and Kohli’s memorabilia on display); and a sold Aussie home (Rs 6.7 cr profit).
Luxury cars
Luxury watches and Swiss collection.
From courtroom pain to finding love again, Shikhar Dhawan’s life has been a fine example of grit and resilience.
Here’s wishing the newly wed couple years of togetherness!
