Throwback photos of iconic opening pair go viral
February 22, 2026: Indian captain Rohit Sharma was among the star guests as longtime opening partner Shikhar Dhawan tied the knot with Sophie Shine in an intimate ceremony in the Delhi-NCR region on February 21, 2026. Rohit, who arrived with his wife Ritika Sajdeh, was seen sharing warm and playful moments with the groom. Social media was soon flooded with “Then vs Now” images comparing Rohit’s presence at Dhawan’s first wedding to the latest celebrations, calling it a touching “full circle” moment in their decade-long friendship that began during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
The wedding marked a new chapter for Dhawan following his 2023 divorce. Sophie Shine, an Ireland-born corporate professional and Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi, also heads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation under his Da One Sports venture. The couple, who reportedly met in Dubai and got engaged in January 2026, opted for a minimal yet elegant look for the ceremony, with Dhawan in a tailored black suit and Sophie in a pale pink lehenga designed by Manish Malhotra.
Several former and current cricketers joined the celebrations, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and Robin Uthappa, while Virat Kohli extended his wishes on social media. Dhawan, who retired from international cricket in August 2024, appeared relaxed and content, with fans celebrating not just his new beginning but also the enduring camaraderie between “Hitman” and “Gabbar,” one of India’s most successful ODI opening pairs.