"From shared smiles to shared dreams."
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has announced his engagement to girlfriend Sophie Shine, sharing the news on Instagram.
A joint post featured a photograph of their hands, with Sophie sporting an engagement ring.
In the background was a decorative floral heart, along with the words:
“The beginning of forever.”
Alongside the image, the post read: “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 engagement confirms the next chapter of their relationship, which became public in May 2025.
Born in Ireland, Sophie graduated from the Limerick Institute of Technology and currently works as a Product Consultant at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi.
Her role combines international exposure with industry experience, reflecting a successful professional trajectory.
Sophie is also prominent on social media, with around 348,000 Instagram followers.
Shikhar was previously been married to Australia-based Ayesha Mukherjee, with the couple divorcing in 2023 after an 11-year marriage.
The former Indian cricketer reportedly met Sophie during a match in Dubai.
Their early meetings remained private but they became increasingly visible as a couple, appearing together at public events and international cricket matches.
Shikhar previously hinted at his relationship:
“I wouldn’t say I was unlucky in love – rather, my choices came from inexperience.
“But now, I have experience, and that will come in handy.”
Shikhar retired from international and domestic cricket in August 2024, bringing an end to a distinguished career for India.
Widely regarded as one of the finest limited-overs openers of his generation, Shikhar played 167 One Day Internationals for India.
He scored 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
In T20 Internationals, Shikhar amassed 1,759 runs in 68 matches, striking at 126.36 and registering 11 half-centuries.
Shikhar also represented India in 34 Test matches, scoring 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries.
His Test career is remembered for a remarkable debut against Australia in Mohali in March 2013.
Shikhar scored 187 off 174 balls in that innings, breaking the record for the fastest century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in 85 balls.
He was later named player of the tournament during India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign.
That tournament cemented his status as one of India’s most reliable ODI openers.
Shikhar captained India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is between 2021 and 2022.
He also formed a prolific opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful in ODI history.
Together, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma scored 5,148 runs in 115 ODIs at an average of 45.55.
They shared 18 century stands, second only to Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly’s 21.
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