- Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has achieved another major milestone in her illustrious career by becoming the only Indian to feature in TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list.
- The prestigious annual list recognises athletes, coaches, advocates and investors who are shaping the world of sports.
- Mandhana finds herself in the company of some of the biggest sporting icons globally, including LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Alcaraz and Rory McIlroy.
- The recognition further cements Mandhana’s status as one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket and a global ambassador for Indian sport.
TIME’s Elite List of Global Sporting Icons
TIME magazine described its list as a collection of people who are “shaping sports today.”
The 2026 edition is headlined by basketball legend LeBron James and includes several international stars such as:
- Lionel Messi (Football)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Football)
- Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis)
- Eileen Gu (Freestyle Skiing)
- Rory McIlroy (Golf)
- Victor Wembanyama (Basketball)
- Temba Bavuma (Cricket)
- Gianni Infantino (FIFA President)
- Jalen Brunson (Basketball)
Among these global personalities, Smriti Mandhana stands out as the sole Indian representative.
Why TIME Chose Smriti Mandhana
TIME highlighted Mandhana’s extraordinary achievements and her impact on women’s cricket.
The magazine noted that the Mumbai-born left-handed opener is:
- The first Indian woman to score a double century in a domestic one-day match.
- The first woman cricketer from India to score centuries in all three international formats.
- Joint holder of the record for the most international centuries in women’s cricket with 17 centuries.
- The first woman to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year.
Leadership and Team Success
Apart from her individual brilliance, Mandhana has also enjoyed tremendous success as a leader.
According to TIME, her greatest pride comes from team achievements.
Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Women’s Premier League Titles
Mandhana captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to:
- Women’s Premier League title in 2024
- Women’s Premier League title in 2026
Her leadership transformed RCB into one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
ICC Women’s World Cup Triumph
As vice-captain of the Indian women’s team, Mandhana played a crucial role in India’s victory at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
She finished as:
- The second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
- One of the key architects of India’s historic triumph.
Record-Breaking Run Machine
- Mandhana has consistently rewritten record books.
- In 2024, she set the record for Most international runs scored by a woman across all formats in a calendar year.
- Remarkably, she surpassed her own record again in 2025.
- Her outstanding performances also earned her the prestigious title of BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
- The award recognised her achievements as well as her role in inspiring millions of young athletes across India.
A Global Icon for Women’s Cricket
Over the years, Smriti Mandhana has emerged as one of the most recognisable faces of women’s cricket.
Her success has contributed to:
- Increased popularity of women’s cricket in India.
- Greater visibility for women athletes.
- Growth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
- Inspiring young girls to pursue sports professionally.
Her inclusion in TIME’s influential list reflects not only her cricketing excellence but also her broader impact on sports and society.
Conclusion
- Smriti Mandhana’s inclusion in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 is a proud moment for India.
- As the only Indian on the prestigious list, she has joined an elite group of global sporting icons while continuing to inspire millions through her performances, leadership and dedication to the game.
- From breaking records to leading teams to glory, Mandhana’s journey exemplifies the rise of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.