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

Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been named to TIME magazine’s "100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026," a recognition that solidifies her position as a dominant force in the global sporting landscape. The list, released Tuesday, honors athletes, coaches, and leaders who are actively shaping the modern sports industry.

The 29-year-old batting standout is the only Indian featured in this year’s edition, placing her among elite international icons such as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Carlos Alcaraz. Her inclusion marks a historic moment for Indian cricket, underscoring the rising profile of women’s sports both domestically and on the world stage.

A Record-Breaking Career

TIME magazine’s profile highlighted Mandhana’s transformative impact on the game, noting her ability to consistently rewrite the record books. Since her international debut in 2013, the Mumbai-born opener has achieved several "firsts" that have set new standards for Indian cricket.

Key milestones noted by the magazine include:

• Format Versatility: She is the first Indian woman to score a century across all three international formats.

• Domestic Dominance: She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to score a double century in a domestic one-day match.

• Historical Consistency: Mandhana is the joint holder of the record for the most international centuries in women’s cricket, with 17 tons to her name.

• Calendar Year Records: In 2024, she set the record for the most international runs across all formats by a woman in a calendar year—a record she surpassed again in 2025.

Leadership and Team Success

Beyond individual accolades, TIME emphasized Mandhana’s role as a tactical leader and team player. Her recent professional journey has been defined by championship victories, including captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to Women’s Premier League (WPL) titles in both 2024 and 2026.

Furthermore, as the vice-captain of the national team, she was instrumental in India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s World Cup last year, where she finished as one of the tournament’s top run-scorers. These contributions were cited as key factors in her recognition as the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year in 2025.

Why It Matters

Mandhana’s inclusion in the TIME list serves as a benchmark for the growing influence of Indian women athletes. By competing alongside the world’s most recognizable sporting figures, she has brought unprecedented visibility to women's cricket. Industry analysts suggest that this global recognition will likely catalyze further investment in the sport and inspire a new generation of talent in India, positioning the country as a focal point for the future of women’s international cricket.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Only Indian Honoree: Smriti Mandhana is the sole representative from India on the 2026 TIME 100 influential sports list.

• Elite Company: She joins global sports legends like Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

• Leadership Role: Currently serves as the vice-captain of the Indian women's national cricket team.

• Championship Pedigree: Led Royal Challengers Bangalore to back-to-back WPL titles (2024 and 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports list?

The list is an annual compilation by TIME magazine that recognizes the most impactful athletes, coaches, executives, and advocates who are currently shaping the global sports industry.

Why was Smriti Mandhana selected for this list?

She was recognized for her consistent record-breaking performances in international cricket, her leadership as a captain in the WPL, and her pivotal role in the Indian team's recent successes.

How many international centuries does Smriti Mandhana have?

She currently holds 17 international centuries, making her a joint holder of the record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket.

Source: TIME Magazine, Olympics.com, The Hindu, Times of India