Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been forced to address false narratives circulating on social media following his marriage to long-time partner Sophie Shine on Saturday, February 21. The 40-year-old, who began a new chapter with the Irish beauty in a private Delhi NCR ceremony, categorically denied fabricated quotes attributed to him about his first wife Aesha Mukerji, urging people to “spread love and positivity” instead of clickbait misinformation.

The viral fake quote that forced Shikhar Dhawan to respond

Soon after Dhawan’s wedding pictures took the internet by storm, several social media accounts began circulating a purported statement claiming that his second marriage was a “befitting reply” to his ex-wife. The fabricated quote suggested that when Aesha left him, she allegedly told Dhawan that no girl would ever marry him again.

According to the viral posts, Dhawan was quoted as saying: “When my first wife left me, she told me that no girl would ever marry me. But by getting married again, I have given her a fitting reply. Won’t you congratulate me on my wedding?”

The posts gained significant traction across X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, prompting the former cricketer to issue a clarifications .

“Never carried baggage from the past”: Dhawan’s offficial statement

Taking to his social media accounts on Monday, Dhawan set the record straight with a dignified response that emphasised his respect for the past and his focus on positivity.

“I have come across some posts on social media attributing a disappointing statement about my personal life. I have never carried baggage from the past, be it on the pitch or outside. I firmly believe in the power of positivity while respecting my past,” Dhawan wrote.

He further appealed to fans and content creators to refrain from using his name for insensitive clickbait. “This is a new chapter in my life, and I feel truly grateful for the love and blessings I have received from my fans, friends, family, well-wishers, and the media. I strongly urge people not to trade on my name with clickbait, insensitive and false statements on social media. Let’s spread love and positivity. Thank you!” he added.

STATEMENT

I have come across some posts on social media attributing a disappointing statement about my personal life. I have never carried baggage from the past be it on the pitch or outside. I firmly believe in the power of positivity while respecting my past.

This is a new…

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 23, 2026

Dhawan’s response has been widely appreciated by supporters who praised him for handling the situation with grace and choosing not to engage with negativity. Throughout his public career, both on and off the field, Dhawan has consistently maintained a dignified silence regarding his personal struggles and has never spoken ill of his former partner despite their challenging separation.

The former India opener has been open about the emotional pain of being separated from his son Zoravar, revealing in interviews that he has been “blocked from everywhere” and hasn’t seen his son for two years. In a heartfelt conversation with Brut India, he admitted, “Mujhe do saal ho gaye usko dekhe hue. Ek saal ho gaya baat kiye hue bhi kyunki main sab jagah se blocked hoon aur of course difficult rehta hai. But you learn to live with it.” 

Despite these challenges, Dhawan has consistently chosen the path of positivity, stating that he “speaks to his son spiritually” through meditation and affirmations rather than letting sadness consume him.

Also READ: Shikhar Dhawan’s wife – All you need to know about the Irish beauty Sophie Shine

Dhawan’s wedding: A new chapter with Sophie Shine

Dhawan’s marriage to Sophie Shine marks a fresh beginning after a difficult period that included a high-profile divorce from Aesha Mukerji in October 2023 and a legal battle over custody of their son. Shikhar and Sophie went public with their relationship in May 2025 and announced their engagement on January 12 this year.

Sophie, an Irish product consultant who serves as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in the UAE, has been a constant support for Dhawan during his post-retirement phase. Their intimate wedding ceremony was attended by close friends and family, including members from the cricketing fraternity.

Also READ: From Virat Kohli to Rajiv Shukla: Cricket fraternity pour in their heartfelt congratulatory wishes as Shikhar Dhawan ties knot with Sophie Shine