Wish I could hug my son: Shikhar Dhawan pours his heart out, says he 'hasn't had a word with Zoravar for 5-6 months'

Veteran India batter Shikhar Dhawan revealed that he has not met his son in the last five to six months, while talking about life following his divorce with Aesha Mukerji.

Speaking with Humans of Bombay, Dhawan opened up about his relationship with his son, saying he wishes to provide him with fatherly love that he deserves.

“When I used to visit my son in Australia for a week, he used to meet me only for a few hours. I want to spend quality time with him, want him to sleep in my arms, I want to hug him tight, give him the father's love he deserves. I haven't had a word with him for the last 5-6 months,” said Dhawan.

“I'm still positive and sending love to my son. I want him to be happy, hopefully one day if God wants, he'll be back with me,” Dhawan added.

Last year, Dhawan had also penned an emotional note on his son’s birthday, advising his son to be playful but responsible.

Dhawan tied the knot with Aesha Mukherjee in October 2012. Prior to marrying him, Aesha had two daughters from her first marriage. In 2021, she revealed on a social media post about her intent to divorce Dhawan.

Aesha remained in Australia due to her commitments there, resulting in Dhawan being separated from their son, Zoravar. The court acknowledged Dhawan's suffering due to the separation from his child and the mental agony inflicted upon him by the circumstances.

Despite the divorce, Dhawan was granted visitation rights, allowing him to spend time with his son both in India and Australia, including overnight stays and video calls. This decision reflects the court's consideration for the cricketer's relationship with his son amidst the divorce proceedings.

The case concluded with the court's recognition of the mental cruelty Dhawan endured, leading to the official end of his marriage to Aesha Mukerji.

Dhawan has not been in India’s plans off-late, having last played an international match in December, 2022 against Bangladesh. The 38-year-old has been leading Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League and will be hoping to guide them to their maiden IPL title in the upcoming season.