Shikhar Dhawan confirms relationship with Sophie Shine, 'Gabbar' memes go viral

Shikhar Dhawan confirms relationship with Sophie Shine, 'Gabbar' memes go viral

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has officially confirmed his relationship with Irish product consultant Sophie Shine, sparking a wave of excitement among fans and a flurry of 'Gabbar' memes on social media. This marks Dhawan's first public relationship since his divorce from Aesha Mukerji in 2023.

The couple reportedly met during a cricket match in Dubai, and their bond has grown stronger over time. They have been spotted together at various public events, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fueling speculation about their relationship.

Gabbar is back Shikhar Dhawan Sophie Shine pic.twitter.com/GZDGVwUWy1
Revengeseeker07 (@revengeseeker07) May 1, 2025

Dhawan made their relationship Instagram official by sharing a heartfelt post captioned "My Love" accompanied by a red-heart emoji. This announcement delighted fans, who flooded social media with congratulatory messages and humorous memes, celebrating the return of 'Gabbar' to the romance scene.

Engagement Sophie Shine is the new dream girl of Shikhar Dhawan. "Gabbar is back."#ShikharDhawan #SophieShine pic.twitter.com/180Su3WK2A (@Nayra_4_You) May 1, 2025

The nickname 'Gabbar' has been associated with Dhawan since his early cricketing days. In a conversation with SportsTak, Dhawan revealed that during a Ranji Trophy match, he would shout, "Bahut yaarana hai suar ke bacchon," mimicking the iconic villain Gabbar Singh from the film "Sholay." His teammates found it amusing, and the nickname stuck, eventually becoming a beloved moniker among cricket fans worldwide.

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Sophie Shine, who holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology, currently works as a Second Vice President - Product Consultant at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi. She has been seen embracing Indian culture, sharing photos in traditional attire and exploring historical landmarks across the country.

The couple's playful chemistry has been evident in their social media posts, including a viral Instagram reel where they donned traditional Punjabi attire and engaged in lighthearted banter. Fans have responded enthusiastically, with many expressing joy at seeing Dhawan happy and in love again.