Smriti Mandhana Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Star cricketer Smriti Mandhana has achieved significant global recognition by being named to the prestigious 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in sports. As the sole Indian representative to secure a spot among these world-class athletes, coaches, and industry leaders, she continues to cement her status as a titan of the sport. The annual compilation highlights individuals who are actively defining the landscape of modern athletics through their performances and leadership.

Recognizing Excellence in Cricket

The 29-year-old Smriti Mandhana, currently serving as the vice-captain of the Indian women's national team, has been noted for her relentless pursuit of excellence and record-breaking performances. Her career is marked by a series of firsts, including becoming the premier Indian woman to register a double century in a domestic one-day contest. Furthermore, she stands alone as the first Indian female player to strike a century across all three international formats.

Beyond these milestones, she maintains a joint record for the highest number of international centuries by a woman, with 17 to her name. Her consistency at the crease is further evidenced by her record of amassing over 1,000 one-day international runs in a single calendar year. These achievements demonstrate why Smriti Mandhana remains a cornerstone of international cricket.

Leadership and Continued Impact

Beyond individual accolades, Smriti Mandhana has proven her mettle as a tactical leader and a crucial team player. Her captaincy steered the Royal Challengers Bangalore to triumphant titles in both the 2024 and 2026 seasons of the Women's Premier League. Her influence extends to the international stage as well, where she played a pivotal role as vice-captain during the Indian team's successful campaign at last year's ICC Women's World Cup, finishing the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer.

Her ongoing dominance across all formats earned her the title of BBC Indian Sportswoman of 2025. By breaking her own record for the most international runs across all formats in consecutive years, she has set a benchmark for future generations. As a central figure on this influential list, which features global icons such as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, she highlights the growing global stature of Indian cricket. Her inclusion reflects not just her statistics, but the profound impact she has on the evolving culture and popularity of sports today.