Smriti Mandhana has added another remarkable achievement to her growing list of accolades after being named among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026. The Indian women’s cricket star is the only Indian athlete featured on this year’s list, joining a prestigious group that includes global sporting icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Carlos Alcaraz, and LeBron James.
The recognition highlights Mandhana’s impact not only as one of the world’s leading cricketers but also as a key figure in the continued growth and popularity of women’s cricket.
Only Indian Athlete on the Prestigious List
TIME’s annual list celebrates athletes, coaches, executives, investors, and other influential personalities who are shaping the future of sports. While the list spans multiple disciplines from around the world, Mandhana stands out as the sole Indian representative in 2026.
Among cricketers, only two names were included in the rankings: Smriti Mandhana and South African captain Temba Bavuma. Bavuma earned recognition following South Africa’s successful international campaigns, including major achievements in Test cricket.
For Mandhana, the honor reflects years of consistent performances and her growing influence both on and off the field.
A Trailblazer in Women’s Cricket
The 29-year-old vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team has been one of the sport’s most recognizable faces over the past decade. Known for her elegant left-handed batting, Mandhana has repeatedly set new benchmarks in international cricket.
TIME highlighted several of her career milestones, noting that she became the first Indian woman cricketer to score a double century in domestic one-day cricket. She also holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats of the game.
These achievements have helped establish her reputation as one of the most complete batters in modern women’s cricket.
Record-Breaking Run Scorer
Mandhana’s influence extends beyond individual milestones. She has consistently delivered match-winning performances for India and has become one of the most prolific run-scorers in women’s cricket.
According to the profile, she shares the record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket, with 17 international hundreds to her name. Her ability to perform across formats has made her a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.
Another major achievement came when she became the first woman cricketer to score more than 1,000 runs in One-Day Internationals during a single calendar year. The feat underscored her consistency and ability to dominate at the highest level.
Her record-breaking form continued in subsequent seasons, further strengthening her position among the world’s elite players.
Also read: Shafali Verma Sets Unique Women’s T20 World Cup Record Despite Early Dismissal Against Pakistan
Success as a Leader
While Mandhana’s personal records have attracted global attention, she has often emphasized team success over individual accomplishments.
As captain of the Women’s Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she guided the team to championship victories in 2024 and again in 2026. Those triumphs elevated her status as a leader capable of delivering results under pressure.
She also played a vital role in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup-winning campaign, serving as vice-captain and finishing among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. Her performances throughout the competition were widely praised and contributed significantly to India’s success on the global stage.
Recognition Beyond Cricket
Mandhana’s achievements have earned recognition beyond the cricket field. In 2024, she set a record for the most international runs scored by a woman cricketer in a calendar year. She later surpassed her own benchmark, demonstrating her continued evolution as a player.
Her outstanding performances also earned her the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award, further cementing her place among India’s most celebrated athletes.
Over the years, Mandhana has become a role model for aspiring cricketers and young sportswomen across the country. Her success has helped increase visibility for women’s cricket and inspired a new generation of players to pursue the sport professionally.
Also read: Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Five Rising Stars Ready to Make Their Mark on Cricket’s Biggest Stage
LeBron James Leads TIME’s 2026 Rankings
At the top of TIME’s 2026 list is American basketball legend LeBron James, whose influence continues to extend far beyond the court. Other notable names featured include Chinese-American freestyle skier Eileen Gu, NBA star Victor Wembanyama, and golf champion Rory McIlroy.
The list also recognizes influential figures from various areas of sports, including athletes, administrators, and global sporting leaders such as FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
For India, however, one name stands out. Smriti Mandhana’s inclusion among the world’s most influential sports personalities reflects not only her extraordinary achievements but also the growing global recognition of women’s cricket. As her career continues to flourish, Mandhana remains one of the most important ambassadors for the sport and one of India’s most respected sporting icons.
