The "Gabbar" of Indian cricket, Shikhar Dhawan, has officially started a beautiful new innings in his personal life. On Monday, January 12, 2026, the veteran cricketer sent fans into a frenzy by announcing his engagement to his longtime partner, Sophie Shine. In a world where celebrity relationships are often shrouded in mystery, Dhawan chose a moment of quiet elegance to share his happiness with the world.

A Heartfelt Reveal: "Shared Smiles to Shared Dreams"

Taking to Instagram to make the news official, Shikhar shared an intimate photograph of the couple’s intertwined hands, showcasing their stunning engagement rings. The post was accompanied by a caption that radiated warmth and maturity:

"From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever."

The announcement immediately drew an outpouring of love from the cricketing fraternity and Bollywood alike. Former teammates and fans flooded the comments section, celebrating the 40-year-old’s journey toward finding love and stability once again.

Who is Sophie Shine? The Woman Behind the Smile

While the name Sophie Shine might be new to some cricket enthusiasts, she has been a steady presence in Dhawan’s life for a few years. Sophie is an Irish national with a formidable professional background. A graduate of the Limerick Institute of Technology, she has built a successful career in the corporate sector, previously serving as a Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi.

Beyond her professional accolades, Sophie is deeply involved in Dhawan’s philanthropic ventures. She currently heads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, the charitable arm of his brand, Da One Sports. This shared commitment to social causes has reportedly been a cornerstone of their relationship, blending their personal lives with a common purpose.

A Romance That Blossomed from Dubai to the Champions Trophy

The couple’s love story reportedly began in Dubai, where they first met through mutual circles. What started as a solid friendship gradually evolved into romance. While rumors had been circulating for a while, the pair first grabbed significant public attention during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they were spotted together in the stands.

Since confirming their relationship in May 2025, Sophie has become a regular feature on Shikhar’s social media, often appearing in his signature light-hearted reels. For many, seeing "Gabbar" happy and settled marks a welcome change following his highly publicized divorce from Aesha Mukherji in 2023.

Wedding Bells: A Grand Celebration in Delhi-NCR

The engagement is just the beginning of what promises to be a festive season for the Dhawan family. According to reports from Hindustan Times, the couple is set to tie the knot in the third week of February 2026.

The wedding is anticipated to be a grand, star-studded affair held in the Delhi-NCR region. Given Dhawan’s deep roots in the capital and his vast network, the guest list is expected to feature the "who’s who" of both the sports and entertainment worlds. Insiders suggest that Shikhar is personally involved in the planning, ensuring the ceremony reflects a sense of "quiet happiness and gratitude."
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