For former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, a new chapter has officially begun. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the legendary cricketer, widely known as "Gabbar," married his partner Sophie Shine in a very private ceremony in Delhi NCR. Dhawan's wedding, following months of colorful pre-wedding traditions from a Haldi to a star-studded Sangeet, represents a joyful new beginning for him after years of personal turmoil.
An Affair More Private But More Regal Than a "Big Fat Indian Wedding" Ceremony
When intimacy prevails and people are around, Shikhar and Sophie exchanged vows with their close family and a few close friends. It all began when Indian leg-spinner and Dhawan's close friend, Yuzvendra Chahal, posted adorable pictures on Instagram with a "It's my friend's wedding" caption. The couple later announced they were married with an identical social media post simply stating "Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan" and red heart emojis.
The Look: Manish Malhotra Elegance
The couple wore timeless sophistication for their big day, with the help of ace couturier Manish Malhotra.
- Groom: Shikhar looked like a modern Maharaja in a cream sherwani. The white-on-white monochromatic palette featured fine tonal embroidery in a delicate tone. The highlight was a multi-layered emerald necklace, which allowed deep forest green to spill over the intricate ivory.
- The Bride: Sophie Shine chose not to wear traditional bridal reds, opting instead for an ivory silk lehenga. The outfit was adorned with soft coral, peach, and sage green floral shapes, giving it a "blooming garden" look. Her choli had a high neckline with cascading pearl strands that resembled built-in jewelry.
Who is Sophie Shine?
Sophie Shine, an Irish national, is well-versed in the corporate market, with decades of experience. Armed with skills honed at Limerick Institute of Technology, she has flourished in a highly successful career in the finance industry and is currently a Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi. Outside her career, Sophie is very active in Dhawan's philanthropy through the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation. The couple's romance gained public attention when they appeared together for the Champions Trophy in Dubai in 2025.
For Dhawan's second marriage, he was previously married for 11 years to Ayesha Mukherjee before their divorce was finalized in 2023. After several years, India's cricket "Gabbar" — a cricketer famous for his love of cricket and his commitment to the sport — is happy, with court battles over the custody of his son Zoravar and many more disputes reaching an all-new high.
Celebrities including Ranveer Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Ravindra Jadeja were among the first to flood the couple's social media with congratulatory messages wishing them a lifetime of togetherness.
