Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as “Gabbar” among fans, has tied the knot for the second time. The 40-year-old cricketer married his long-time girlfriend, Sophie Shine, in an intimate private ceremony held in Delhi NCR on Saturday, 21 February. The wedding, attended by close family members and friends, marks a new chapter in Dhawan’s personal life after a turbulent few years.

From their first public appearance during the Champions Trophy 2025 to their engagement announcement in January and the vibrant pre-wedding festivities, every moment of the couple’s journey has captured public attention.

A Private Yet Grand Wedding in Delhi NCR

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine got married in a private ceremony in Delhi NCR on Saturday, 21 February. Though the ceremony was intimate, the visuals that surfaced on social media showcased a grand and elegant celebration.

The first official wedding photo revealed a beaming Dhawan dressed in a classic white sherwani, wearing his trademark warm smile. Sophie Shine complemented him beautifully in a stunning white lehenga adorned with orange and pink floral embroidery. The intricate glitter and sequin detailing added a royal touch to her bridal ensemble, instantly winning hearts online. Fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages as the image went viral.

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal shared glimpses from the ceremony on Instagram, captioning the photos, “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai,” giving fans their first look at the newlyweds.

Pre-Wedding Celebrations: Sangeet and Haldi Moments

The wedding celebrations began days before the ceremony. On Thursday, Dhawan shared photos from his Sangeet night with Sophie, teasing fans with the caption:
“Sangeet night. Almost the Dhawans.”

The Haldi ceremony took place on 20 February. Sophie Shine posted pictures from the occasion on her Instagram account, offering followers a glimpse of the vibrant festivities. The couple appeared joyful and relaxed, reflecting the excitement surrounding their big day.

Photos from the various ceremonies had already begun circulating on social media, building anticipation even before the official wedding image was revealed.

From Public Appearances to Engagement: Their Love Story

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine had been dating for a few years before making their relationship public in 2025. According to reports, Dhawan went public about their relationship in May 2025, though the couple had been widely expected to marry following their engagement announcement earlier in the year.

They officially announced their engagement on Instagram on 12 January. Dhawan wrote:

“From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings, and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever – Shikhar & Sophie.”

The couple was first spotted together during a Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai. They also attended a media conclave together, where Dhawan hinted that he had found love again. Earlier sightings included appearances during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the two were seen together in the stands.

Despite multiple public outings, confirmation of their relationship came only after Dhawan made it official on social media. Since then, the pair have frequently shared pictures and videos together, delighting fans with glimpses into their life.

Who Is Sophie Shine? Education, Career, and Background

Unlike many cricketers’ partners who come from the entertainment or social media industries, Sophie Shine has a strong corporate and academic background.

Born in Ireland, Sophie is about five years younger than Dhawan. She completed her entire education in Ireland and studied at Castleroy College. She later earned a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology.

Professionally, Sophie has worked as a product consultant and currently serves as the Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation, based in Abu Dhabi. Her credentials reflect an impressive blend of academic excellence and corporate leadership.

In addition to her corporate role, Sophie now heads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Da One Sports. Her involvement in charitable and social initiatives has added another dimension to her public persona.

On Instagram, Sophie has close to 367,000 followers. She regularly shares pictures and videos with Dhawan, offering insights into their travels, match-day appearances, and celebrations.

Dhawan’s First Marriage and Divorce

This is Shikhar Dhawan’s second marriage. He was previously married to Ayesha Mukherjee (also referred to as Aesha Mukerji in some reports). Dhawan married her in 2011 (with some accounts stating 2012). Ayesha had two daughters from a previous marriage.

After over a decade together, their relationship ended in 2023, bringing an end to their 11-year marriage. The couple shares a son, Zoravar Dhawan, who is currently 11 years old and lives with his mother in Australia.

In October 2023, a Delhi court granted their divorce. During the proceedings, the court observed that Dhawan had suffered mental trauma. It noted that his former wife had kept him away from his only child, Zoravar, for several years. The court recorded that Ayesha either chose not to contest these claims or failed to respond to them adequately.

Despite these observations, Dhawan was not granted permanent custody of Zoravar. Instead, he received visitation rights and permission for video calls for a “reasonable duration” in both India and Australia.

However, Dhawan later stated that he was subsequently blocked from all forms of virtual communication with his son. The reasons behind the breakdown of the marriage have not been made fully public.

A Second Chance at Love at 40

At 40, Dhawan’s second wedding symbolizes resilience and a fresh beginning. Known for his fearless batting style and infectious energy on the field, the former India opener has also shown strength off the field while navigating personal challenges.

Fans have affectionately referred to him as “Gabbar” throughout his career. Now, many see this new chapter as a well-deserved moment of happiness for the cricketer.

The couple’s chemistry, evident in their public appearances and social media posts, has resonated strongly with followers. From cricket stadium sightings during global tournaments to intimate pre-wedding celebrations, their relationship gradually unfolded in the public eye.

Social Media Reactions and Fan Celebrations

As soon as the first wedding photograph surfaced, social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages. Fans admired Sophie’s elegant bridal look and Dhawan’s classic sherwani attire. Their smiles in the photograph reflected visible joy, adding to the celebratory mood online.

Photos and videos from the Sangeet and Haldi ceremonies had already been trending for days. The wedding image only amplified the excitement, with supporters and fellow cricketers extending their best wishes.

A New Chapter for the Dhawans

With their private Delhi NCR ceremony complete, Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine have officially begun a new journey together. From shared smiles to shared dreams, as Dhawan described in his engagement post, the couple has embraced togetherness after years of companionship.

Sophie’s corporate accomplishments, philanthropic involvement, and steady presence by Dhawan’s side reflect a partnership built on mutual support and shared values. Meanwhile, Dhawan continues to balance his professional commitments with his evolving personal life.

As the wedding celebrations conclude, fans eagerly await more glimpses into their life as a married couple. For now, the intimate ceremony, heartfelt captions, and viral wedding photo have already made this one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year.

Shikhar Dhawan’s second innings in life has officially begun—and this time, it’s off the cricket field.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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