As the country went glowing with Diwali lights, the cricketing world was seen getting along with the jolly festival spirit of joy and togetherness. The festival seen cricketers along with their families and loved ones join the festivities, which was a scene filled with warmth, laughter, and lots of lights. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan joined the celebrations and was seen going with his girlfriend, Sophie Shine.

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine, who live in Ireland, tweeted out a peek of their Diwali celebrations on October 20. The two looked beautiful as they celebrated the spirit of the festival, sitting together in traditional Indian dress. Their bright picture gained attention within seconds, and the comments section was soon filled with festive greetings and appreciations.

In his Instagram post, Dhawan posted a lovely Diwali message for his fans, stating, "Pyar aur roshni se bhari ye Diwali sabke jeevan mein khushiyan laaye!" (May this Diwali, with love and light, bring happiness into everyone's life). His post was absolutely iconic of the warmth of the festival as well as his approach to life post-cricket.

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine’s Growing Bond

This is not the first time Sophie Shine has been spotted embracing Indian culture with Dhawan. The couple last visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain a few weeks ago to attend the divine Bhasma Aarti of Lord Mahakal. Photos of the couple asking blessings from God went viral, and fans were appreciative of the couple's devotion and bond.

Shikhar Dhawan celebrating Diwali. 🪔 pic.twitter.com/43SFcncLKt

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 20, 2025

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Shikhar Dhawan, who had retired from international cricket in August 2024, still remains one of India's most beloved erstwhile cricketers. A winner of the 2013 Champions Trophy as well as an Asia Cup champion twice, Dhawan played for India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. Famous for his wide smile and aggressive batting, Dhawan's Diwali celebrations with Sophie Shine have again reminded everyone why he is still such a popular figure, on as well as off the field.

After their official announcement, it was the first time when Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine faced a camera for a podcast. Shikhar himself shared a clip of the podcast in his official Instagram timeline. 

In the video clip shared by Dhawan, we can hear about his new relationship with Sophie. Dhawan revealed how and where they first came to meet, how their relationship started, etc. After a long relationship with Ayesha Mukherjee, the former India international had to go through a tough time. Along with a declining phase in his professional career, Dhawan had to fight in his personal space as well. But finally, 'Gabbar' decided to move on when he met with Sophie. 

In the podcast we are talking about, the host asked the celebrated former cricketer, "Where did you two meet?" In reply, Dhawan said, "We first met each other in a restaurant in Dubai; that meeting was wonderful." In the following question, the host asks Shikhar about the dress Sophie chose for their first meeting. Dhawan was fluent, and without making any delay, he said, "Sophie was in camouflage trousers and a jacket, and she was looking beautiful." 

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More details about the duo

According to some previous media reports, Dhawan and Shine came to know each other in Dubai, as disclosed by Shikhar himself in the podcast. Over time, their relationship has grown stronger, and now it is well known to all. In the 2024 IPL season, when the batter was playing for Punjab Kings, Sophie was there in the gallery in a Punjab Kings red jersey. According to some previous speculations, Shikhar first ever liked one of her Instagram posts on June 13, 2023. This kind of incident cricket fans and netizens rarely missed noticing. 

According to the information, Dhawan's present girlfriend is an Irish product consultant with an impressive professional background. She holds a degree in marketing and management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and previously studied at Castleroy College in Ireland. 

Watch the video clip here

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

The veteran India batter Shikhar Dhawan is making headlines again due to speculation over his personal life. He was seen recently with a mystery woman at the India vs. Bangladesh match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, and photos/videos of the pair went viral across social media. Many observed that the same woman was seen with Dhawan previously in November 2024.

Media reports have linked the woman to Sophie Shine. After so many instances of the two being together, the rumors around Shikhar Dhawan dating Sophie Shine continue to grow. While neither Dhawan nor Sophie Shine have confirmed anything, their sightings have made fans, especially netizens, more curious. The buzz around their potential relationship continues to grow as the images circulate across social media platforms.

See Also: Shikar Dhawan finally breaks the mystery of his rumoured girlfriend Sophie Shine

Recently, Sophie Shine shared a photo on her Instagram handle, showing her spending quality time with Shikhar Dhawan. What truly caught fans’ attention was the caption that read “My ❤️,” which added fuel to the ongoing dating rumours. Additionally, Sophie was seen wearing a ring on her ring finger, sparking even more speculation. Fans quickly began connecting the dots, with many taking the heartfelt caption and the visible ring as strong signs that the two are in a relationship, further intensifying the buzz around their bond.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Soph (@sophieshine93)

Who is Sophie Shine?

There have been reports that Sophie Shine is an Irish product consultant with an impressive legacy of work experience. She graduated from  Limerick Institute of Technology with a degree in Marketing and Management, and attended Castleroy College in Ireland. She is currently employed as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Sophie tends to keep a low profile but has found herself in the public eye due to her good looks and her social media exposure.

Sources who know the couple suggest that Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie have been together for several years after meeting in Dubai. Their relationship began as a casual friendship, but over time, their friendship developed into something deeper. Their relationship has deepened however, and sources are reporting they moved in together over a year ago, suggesting a deeper commitment.

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been back in the news lately, not for his heroics on the field, but for his life off it. Dhawan recently trended on social media after posting an Instagram reel with his alleged girlfriend, Sophie Shine. The buzz around his love life grew even more so when the two were seen together at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Their public outings haven't gone unnoticed, particularly their attendance at a recent media conclave. At the event, Dhawan confirmed that he is indeed dating someone, further igniting the romance rumors.

"Yep, I'm over it," Dhawan explained in a very frank moment. "I'd never say that I was unlucky at love—I would say, though, that my decisions came from lack of experience. Now that I've got experience, that will work in my favor. It was a learning process for me."

Shikhar Dhawan in a reel on Instagram. 😄 pic.twitter.com/QaQJtGyEzF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 12, 2025

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When asked whether he's prepared to fall in love again, he smiled and said, "I am always in love!" His honesty has captured the hearts of fans, particularly as he accepts this new chapter of life with confidence and optimism.

Who Is Sophie Shine?

Sophie Shine is a professional Irish product consultant. She holds a degree in marketing and management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and had studied at Castleroy College, Ireland, before that.

She is currently working as the second vice president at Abu Dhabi-based Northern Trust Corporation. Her recent appearances in public with Dhawan have made her one of the trending figures in media circles.

Shikhar Dhawan's Glorious Cricket Career

On August 24, Shikhar Dhawan formally announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, ending a legendary career. The left-handed opener played for India in 269 international games and scored 10,867 runs at an average of 40.39. He made 24 centuries and 55 half-centuries in his record.

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In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan featured in 222 games, scoring 6,768 runs at an average of 35.07, with two centuries and 51 half-centuries. His last international match was an ODI against Bangladesh on December 10, 2022, in Chattogram.