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In a heart-warming revelation that has sent social media into a frenzy, former Indian opening batter Shikhar Dhawan officially announced his engagement to his longtime partner, Sophie Shine, on Monday, January 12.
Known for his persona on the field and his infectious smile off it, Dhawan took to Instagram to share the joyous milestone with his millions of followers, marking a beautiful new beginning in his personal life.
The announcement comes after months of quiet speculation and subtle hints, confirming that the veteran cricketer has indeed found love again. Fans and the cricketing fraternity have flooded the couple’s social media pages with congratulatory messages, celebrating the union of two individuals who have remained remarkably poised amidst public curiosity.
Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine’s evolution of a quiet romance
While the engagement news feels like a sudden celebration, the relationship between Shikhar and Sophie has been a journey of steady companionship and discretion. The pair first publicly confirmed they were dating on May 1 of last year, yet they managed to keep the finer details of their bond away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.
The initial spark of public interest ignited when Sophie uploaded a candid photo of the couple with the simple yet profound caption, “My love,” accompanied by a heart emoji. That single post served as the first official acknowledgment of their relationship, putting an end to months of rumours. Since then, Sophie has been a fixture in Dhawan’s support system. She was frequently spotted in the stands during the Indian Premier League (IPL), cheering fervently for the Punjab Kings during Shikhar’s tenure with the franchise.

Their bond became even more apparent earlier in 2025 when they were seen together in Dubai during a Champions Trophy match. Furthermore, at a recent media conclave, Dhawan spoke with a sense of renewed peace, subtly hinting that he had opened his heart to love once more. Their ability to maintain a level of privacy while navigating the high-profile world of international sports has been widely admired by their supporters.
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Dhawan shares joyful news of engagement with Sophie on social media
The official engagement announcement was every bit as soulful as fans expected from Dhawan. Sharing a beautiful moment captured with Sophie, Shikhar expressed his gratitude for the life they are building together. His post radiated a sense of maturity and deep affection, moving away from the “bad boy” tropes of sports stardom toward a narrative of healing and partnership.
“From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever,” Dhawan wrote in his heartfelt Instagram post.
The post, which featured the couple’s hands flaunting their rings, quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of likes within the first hour. For Dhawan, who has been vocal about his personal growth and the importance of emotional well-being following his previous separation, this engagement represents more than just a ceremony – it is a testament to resilience.
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