India's vice‑captain Smriti Mandhana has been awarded another prestigious distinction after being named as one of TIME magazine’s top 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026. Mandhana is the only Indian in the global lineup of stars in this year’s star-studded field.
The honor shows Mandhana’s stature as a cricketer and a world icon. She is known for her elegant batting and consistent performances and she is key to the future of Indian women’s cricket. Her place on the list indicates her influence outside the cricket field and her role in inspiring generations of young girls to get into the sport.
Mandhana has been a great resilience and brilliant player. From her debut at the age of 17 as a teenager to being India’s vice-captain she has enjoyed international success in test cricket and she is a leader so good at the pressure of it.
TIME’s annual list celebrates sports and society’s greatest athletes. The presence of Mandhana alongside global figures in football, tennis, athletics, and basketball is the first sign of Indian women’s cricket rising on the global stage. It’s also a sign of a growing awareness of female athletes who are breaking barriers and redefining success in men’s sports, which are still largely male dominated.
Mandhana’s influence goes beyond cricket, industry experts believe. She is a cultural ambassador of women’s cricket and a role model for young people who are aspiring to be gender equality champions in sports and is promoting investment in women’s cricket from a young (and largely female) perspective. Her popularity on social media and her connection to fans is only making her one of the most popular athletes in India.
I think Smriti Mandhana’s selection as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 is an important step and a first step in this direction for Indian women athletes who are now more than ever, if not more.
