By Rohit - May 02, 2025 12:37 AM
Love stories often have a way of capturing hearts, and the blossoming romance between former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine is no exception. On May 1, 2025, Dhawan made headlines by confirming his relationship with Sophie, an Irish product consultant, through a heartfelt Instagram post.
The couple’s journey, marked by quiet moments and public glimpses, has sparked curiosity and admiration. From their first meeting in Dubai to going Instagram-official, here’s a look at who Sophie Shine is, how their love story began, and where they stand today.
Sophie Shine is more than just the woman who’s captured Shikhar Dhawan’s heart, she’s an accomplished professional with a vibrant life of her own. Hailing from Limerick, Ireland, Sophie has built an impressive career in the corporate world.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently serves as the Second Vice President in product consultation at Northern Trust Corporation, a prestigious American financial services company. Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, she’s been with the company since 2018, carving out a niche in her field.
Sophie’s educational background is equally notable. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and completed her earlier studies at Castleroy College in Ireland. Beyond her professional life, Sophie is an avid traveler, often sharing glimpses of her adventures on Instagram, where she boasts 134,000 followers.
From visiting the Taj Mahal to donning traditional Indian attire, her posts reflect a deep appreciation for culture and exploration.
On social media, Sophie comes across as engaging and approachable, balancing professional updates with personal moments. Her striking looks and confident presence have only added to the public’s fascination, especially since she began appearing alongside Dhawan. Yet, she maintains a level of privacy, keeping her Instagram account selective while still connecting with her audience.
The story of Shikhar and Sophie’s romance began a few years ago in Dubai, a city known for its vibrant energy and global connections. According to reports, their paths crossed through mutual acquaintances, and what started as a casual friendship soon deepened into something more. Dubai, with its blend of glamour and opportunity, provided the perfect backdrop for their budding relationship.
By 2023, fans started noticing subtle hints of their connection. Dhawan liked one of Sophie’s Instagram posts on June 13, 2023, a small but telling gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by eagle-eyed followers. Their bond grew steadily, and sources close to the couple revealed they moved in together over a year ago, a sign of their commitment.
Their relationship first caught public attention in November 2024, when they were spotted together, fueling speculation. By early 2025, they were seen side by side at the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai, where Dhawan was serving as a brand ambassador.
The cameras captured their chemistry, and social media erupted with questions about the “mystery woman” by his side. Sophie’s posts from the 2024 IPL season, when Dhawan was playing for Punjab Kings, further stoked the rumors.
Despite the buzz, both Shikhar and Sophie kept things private, letting their actions speak louder than words. Their appearances together, from stadiums to media events, painted a picture of a couple comfortable in each other’s company, yet unwilling to rush into the spotlight.
The turning point came on May 1, 2025, when Sophie posted a photo with Dhawan on Instagram, captioning it “My love” with a heart emoji. The post went viral, confirming what fans had suspected for months. Dhawan followed suit, sharing the same photo and calling Sophie his “love,” officially marking their relationship in the most modern way possible. The internet exploded with reactions, with fans and media celebrating the couple’s openness.
Their public confirmation wasn’t entirely unexpected. Earlier in 2025, at the Times Now Conclave, Dhawan had dropped a playful hint about his relationship. When asked about his partner, he said, “I will not take any names. But the most beautiful girl in the room is my girlfriend. Now you can figure it out.” The camera panned to Sophie, who was reportedly blushing, and the moment became a fan favorite.
Since then, the couple has been more open, sharing moments like Instagram reels and photos from their travels. Sophie’s post from the Champions Trophy and her appearances with Dhawan at media events show a relationship that’s both supportive and joyful. Their decision to go public feels like a natural step, reflecting a bond that’s grown stronger over time.
Shikhar Dhawan’s journey to this happy moment hasn’t been without its challenges. His personal life has been under scrutiny since his divorce from Aesha Mukherjee, an Indian-Australian former kickboxer. The couple, married in 2012, welcomed their son, Zoravar, in 2014, and Dhawan also became a stepfather to Aesha’s two daughters from a previous marriage. However, their relationship faced difficulties, leading to a separation in September 2021 and a divorce finalized in October 2023.
The Delhi court that granted the divorce noted that Dhawan had endured mental distress due to prolonged separation from his son, orchestrated by Aesha. Despite being granted visitation rights and permission for video calls in India and Australia, where Aesha and Zoravar reside, Dhawan has claimed he’s been blocked from all virtual contact with his son. In February 2025, he shared that it had been two years since he last saw Zoravar and over a year since they spoke, a heartbreaking reality for the former cricketer.
Dhawan’s openness about his struggles has resonated with fans, who admire his resilience. At the Times Now Summit 2025, he reflected on his past, saying, “Yes, I have moved on. I wouldn’t say I was unlucky in love, rather, my choices came from inexperience. Now, I have experience, and that will come in handy.” His ability to find joy with Sophie after such a painful chapter speaks to his optimism and strength.
As Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine embrace their new chapter, fans are eager to see where their journey leads. Dhawan, who retired from all forms of cricket in August 2024, has stayed active in the sport through commentary gigs and leagues like the Legends League Cricket and Nepal Premier League. His role as an ICC Champions Trophy ambassador kept him in the public eye, but it’s his personal life that’s stealing the show now.
Sophie, meanwhile, continues to thrive in her career while balancing her life with Dhawan. Their shared moments, whether at cricket matches or exploring new places, suggest a relationship built on mutual respect and adventure. While they’ve chosen to keep some aspects private, their public posts radiate happiness and connection./p>
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