Indian cricket star and vice-captain of the national women’s team, Smriti Mandhana, has achieved another historic milestone after being named in TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026. The recognition makes Mandhana the only Indian athlete to feature in this year’s edition of the globally acclaimed list, placing her alongside some of the biggest names in world sport, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Alcaraz, LeBron James, Rory McIlroy, Eileen Gu and Victor Wembanyama.

The annual TIME list celebrates athletes, coaches, advocates, executives and investors who are shaping the future of global sports through their achievements, leadership and influence. Mandhana’s inclusion is a testament not only to her remarkable cricketing accomplishments but also to her growing impact on the global sporting landscape and her role in elevating women’s cricket worldwide.

Recognition for a Record-Breaking Career

In its profile on Mandhana, TIME highlighted several groundbreaking achievements that have defined her career. The Mumbai-born left-handed opener became the first Indian woman to score a double century in a domestic one-day match, a feat that underlined her immense batting prowess early in her journey. She also became the first Indian woman cricketer to score a century in all three international formats—Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Mandhana’s consistency has helped her establish herself among the greatest batters in women’s cricket. She currently shares the record for the most international centuries in women’s cricket, with 17 hundreds to her name. Additionally, she became the first woman cricketer to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year, setting a benchmark that further cemented her place among the sport’s elite performers.

TIME’s recognition also reflects the extraordinary run-scoring standards Mandhana has maintained in recent years. In 2024, she broke the record for the most international runs scored by a woman cricketer in a calendar year across formats. Remarkably, she surpassed her own record again in 2025, demonstrating a level of consistency rarely seen in the modern game. These achievements contributed significantly to her being crowned the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025.

Leadership Success at Franchise and International Levels

Beyond individual milestones, Mandhana’s influence has increasingly been reflected in her leadership roles. As captain of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, she guided the team to championship titles in both 2024 and 2026, helping transform the Bengaluru-based side into one of the most successful teams in the competition.

Her contributions at the international level have been equally significant. Serving as vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, Mandhana played a crucial role during India’s triumphant ICC Women’s World Cup campaign. She finished among the leading run-scorers in the tournament and was instrumental in helping India secure one of the most significant achievements in the history of women’s cricket in the country.

TIME noted that while Mandhana is proud of her individual records, she places immense value on team achievements, a quality that has enhanced her stature as both a player and a leader. Her ability to balance personal excellence with collective success has made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.

Lone Indian on a Global Stage

Mandhana’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy because she is the sole Indian representative on the 2026 list. The recognition places her among a select group of athletes who have transcended sporting success to become influential cultural and social figures.

The 2026 TIME100 Sports list is headlined by basketball icon LeBron James and features a diverse range of athletes from multiple disciplines. Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, golf star Rory McIlroy, freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu and NBA phenomenon Victor Wembanyama are among the internationally renowned names included in this year’s edition.

According to discussions surrounding the list, Mandhana and South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma are among the few cricketers recognised this year, highlighting the growing influence of cricket personalities on the global sports stage.

A Global Ambassador for Women’s Cricket

Mandhana’s journey from a talented youngster in Maharashtra to one of the most recognisable faces in world cricket mirrors the rapid growth of women’s cricket over the last decade. Her elegant stroke play, consistency across formats and calm leadership have helped make her one of the sport’s most marketable and influential stars.

The recognition from TIME also reflects her contribution to changing perceptions about women’s cricket. Through her performances, leadership and visibility, Mandhana has inspired a new generation of aspiring cricketers and helped increase the popularity of the women’s game in India and beyond. Her achievements have coincided with a period of unprecedented growth for women’s cricket, including the expansion of professional leagues and increased global audiences.

Her influence extends beyond statistics. Mandhana has become a symbol of consistency, professionalism and ambition, qualities that have made her a role model for young athletes. As women’s cricket continues to evolve, she remains one of its most prominent ambassadors.

Recognition Comes Amid Continued On-Field Success

The TIME honour arrives during another productive phase of Mandhana’s career. She recently produced a match-winning knock of 68 runs from 44 balls in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opening victory over Pakistan, once again demonstrating her ability to deliver on the biggest stages.

Her recent performances, coupled with her historic accomplishments and leadership credentials, have reinforced her reputation as one of the defining figures in women’s cricket. The TIME recognition further validates the impact she has had on the sport and highlights her standing among the most influential athletes in the world today.

As women’s cricket continues its rise globally, Smriti Mandhana’s inclusion in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports list serves as recognition of a career built on excellence, perseverance and groundbreaking achievements. For Indian sport, it is another proud moment; for women’s cricket, it is acknowledgment of one of the players who has helped transform the game into a global phenomenon.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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