TIME Honours Smriti Mandhana Among World's 100 Most Influential Sportspersons
Mandhana becomes sole Indian on prestigious global sports list.
India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been named in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026, becoming the only Indian athlete to feature in the prestigious annual ranking. The recognition places Mandhana alongside some of the biggest names in global sport and highlights her growing influence both on and off the cricket field.
TIME’s list celebrates athletes, coaches, advocates and investors who are shaping the future of sports. The 2026 edition is led by American basketball icon LeBron James and includes a diverse group of influential figures from across disciplines and continents. Mandhana’s inclusion underscores the rising profile of women’s cricket and her status as one of the sport’s leading ambassadors.
Widely regarded as one of the finest batters in women’s cricket, Mandhana has played a key role in India’s success across formats over the past decade. Known for her elegant stroke play and consistency at the top of the order, she has established herself as a central figure in the national team and a prominent face of the women’s game globally.
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Among her notable achievements, Mandhana became the first woman cricketer to score more than 1,000 runs in One-Day Internationals in a calendar year, a milestone that further cemented her place among the sport’s elite performers. Her contributions have helped raise the visibility of women’s cricket in India and inspired a new generation of players.
The TIME list also features several internationally renowned sporting figures, including football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama, skier Eileen Gu and golfer Rory McIlroy. South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and FIFA president Gianni Infantino are also among those recognised.
Mandhana’s inclusion in the influential ranking reflects not only her accomplishments on the field but also her impact on the broader sporting landscape. As women’s cricket continues to expand its global reach, the Indian star’s recognition by TIME highlights her role in driving the sport’s growth and popularity worldwide.
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