Smriti Mandhana Shatters Records: Joins Messi, Alcaraz on Global Sports Stage

TIME magazine has released its 2026 list of the “100 Most Influential People in Sports,” a global ranking that highlights athletes, coaches, and sporting personalities who have made a major impact on their respective disciplines. The list celebrates individuals who have influenced not only performance on the field but also culture, inspiration, and the global growth of sports.

Among the prominent names featured this year are football icon Lionel Messi, tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, and Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. The inclusion of athletes from different sports reflects TIME’s effort to recognise influence across a wide sporting spectrum, spanning football, tennis, cricket, and other international disciplines.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana’s presence in the list has drawn significant attention, as she continues to establish herself as one of the leading figures in women’s cricket. Her performances in international cricket, along with her consistency and growing global recognition, have made her one of the most visible Indian athletes on the world stage. She is widely regarded as a key face of the modern era of women’s cricket.

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The TIME list does not rank athletes numerically but instead focuses on their overall influence, leadership, and impact on the sport. It includes players who have shaped their games through performance, record-breaking achievements, and cultural significance. The 2026 edition continues this tradition by highlighting a mix of established global icons and rising stars.

While the complete list features 100 individuals across various sports, TIME has emphasised the importance of recognising influence beyond statistics alone. The inclusion of athletes such as Messi, Alcaraz, and Mandhana underscores the global reach of sport and the growing representation of diverse sporting talent on an international platform.

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