New York: Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has added another milestone to her illustrious career after being named among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026. The left-handed batter is the only Indian athlete to feature on the prestigious global list, highlighting her growing impact on the international sporting landscape.
The annual ranking recognizes athletes, coaches, executives, advocates and innovators who are shaping the future of sports through their achievements, influence and contributions. This year’s edition brings together some of the biggest names from across the sporting world, placing Mandhana in the company of globally celebrated figures.
Among those featured on the list are basketball legend LeBron James, football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, golfer Rory McIlroy, skier Eileen Gu and several other leading personalities whose performances continue to inspire millions worldwide.
Recognition for Consistent Excellence
Mandhana’s inclusion reflects years of outstanding performances and her role in transforming women’s cricket into one of the fastest-growing sports globally. The 29-year-old opener has become one of the most recognizable faces in international cricket and a key figure in India’s rise as a dominant force in the women’s game.
TIME highlighted her remarkable achievements, noting that she has repeatedly rewritten record books throughout her career. From becoming the first Indian woman to score a double century in a domestic one-day match to registering centuries in all three international formats, Mandhana has consistently raised the bar for future generations.
The publication also acknowledged her place among the most successful batters in women’s cricket history, emphasizing the consistency and impact she has demonstrated across formats.
Record-Breaking Journey
Over the last few years, Mandhana has established herself as one of the sport’s most prolific run-scorers. Her elegant batting style, combined with her ability to perform under pressure, has made her a cornerstone of the Indian team.
One of her most notable accomplishments came when she became the first female cricketer to score more than 1,000 runs in One-Day Internationals within a single calendar year. The achievement underscored her dominance and ability to maintain exceptional standards throughout a demanding international schedule.
Her performances have not only helped India achieve success but have also contributed significantly to the growing popularity of women’s cricket across the world.
Leadership Beyond Numbers
While personal records continue to accumulate, Mandhana has repeatedly emphasized the importance of team success over individual milestones. Her leadership qualities have become increasingly evident both at the international level and in franchise cricket.
As captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League, she guided the franchise to championship victories in 2024 and 2026. Those triumphs cemented her reputation as a leader capable of inspiring teams and delivering results on the biggest stages.
Her influence extends beyond statistics, with teammates and experts often praising her calm approach, strategic mindset and ability to lead by example.
Key Role in India’s World Cup Triumph
Mandhana also played a crucial role in India’s successful ICC Women’s World Cup campaign. Serving as vice-captain, she was among the tournament’s leading performers and finished as one of the highest run-getters.
Her contributions proved instrumental in helping India secure one of the most significant achievements in the history of women’s cricket. The World Cup victory further enhanced her standing as one of the game’s elite performers and strengthened her global reputation.
Cricket analysts believe her performances during the tournament showcased not only her technical excellence but also her ability to deliver under immense pressure.
Setting New Standards
The Mumbai-born batter has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in women’s cricket. In 2024, she set a new benchmark for the highest number of international runs scored by a woman across all formats in a calendar year.
Remarkably, she surpassed her own record the following season, reinforcing her position as one of the sport’s most dependable and productive players.
Such achievements have helped establish Mandhana as a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly young girls looking to pursue professional careers in sports.
Growing Global Influence
Beyond her accomplishments on the field, Mandhana has emerged as a powerful ambassador for women’s cricket. Her popularity extends far beyond India, with fans around the world recognizing her as one of the leading figures in the modern era of the sport.
The increasing visibility of women’s cricket has been driven in part by players like Mandhana, who have consistently delivered memorable performances while helping attract larger audiences and commercial interest.
Her success has also encouraged greater investment in women’s leagues and development programs, contributing to the sport’s rapid expansion globally.
Prestigious Recognition
TIME’s annual list is regarded as one of the most respected recognitions of influence and achievement. Selection is based not only on sporting excellence but also on the ability to shape conversations, inspire communities and leave a lasting impact beyond competition.
Mandhana’s inclusion signals the growing prominence of Indian women’s cricket on the world stage and reflects the sport’s increasing influence in global sporting culture.
For Indian fans, the honour serves as another reminder of how far women’s cricket has progressed over the past decade and how players like Mandhana have helped redefine expectations.
A Proud Moment for Indian Sport
As the only Indian representative on the 2026 list, Mandhana’s achievement carries special significance. Her recognition places Indian women’s cricket firmly in the global spotlight and highlights the country’s growing contribution to international sports.
With records continuing to fall and new milestones constantly being achieved, Mandhana’s journey remains an inspiring example of dedication, excellence and perseverance. Her place among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports stands as a testament to her extraordinary career and enduring impact on the game.
The honour not only celebrates her achievements but also reflects the changing landscape of global sport, where women’s cricket is gaining unprecedented recognition and influence. For Smriti Mandhana, the latest accolade is yet another chapter in a remarkable story that continues to inspire millions across the world.