Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, has been honoured by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026. She is notably the sole Indian athlete included in this prestigious annual list, which recognises individuals who have made significant impacts in the realm of sports.

The magazine’s compilation showcases a diverse group of personalities, ranging from athletes and coaches to executives, investors, and vital figures driving change in the global sporting arena. Mandhana’s inclusion underscores her remarkable contributions and influence within women’s cricket.

Contributions to Women’s Cricket Highlighted

TIME magazine elaborated on Mandhana’s role in advancing women’s cricket, emphasising her achievements that blend personal accomplishments with team successes. The publication recognised her as a trailblazer, being the first Indian woman to score a double century in a domestic one-day match, alongside her distinction of scoring centuries in all three formats of international cricket.

Mandhana is tied for the record of the most centuries, totalling 17, in women’s international cricket. Furthermore, she became the first player to amass over 1,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) within a single calendar year, thus cementing her status as one of the sport’s leading figures.

At 29, Mandhana continues to thrive, with ongoing success both at the franchise level and in international play. TIME recounted her pivotal role in leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory in the Women’s Premier League, claiming titles in 2024 and 2026, solidifying her stature as a critical player in league history.

Remarkable Achievements and Records

The profile also highlighted Mandhana’s significant contributions to India’s successful campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup held last year. Her impressive performance positioned her among the top run-scorers of the tournament, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure on an international stage.

Mandhana’s consistency in performance has led to numerous historic accomplishments. In 2024, she set the record for the highest number of international runs scored by a woman across all formats within a calendar year. Remarkably, she surpassed this record in 2025, underlining her remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. This achievement also won her the prestigious BBC Indian Sportswoman award.

TIME encapsulated Mandhana’s journey in sports by stating, “Records keep tumbling in,” reflecting her ongoing impact and the positive trajectory of her cricket career. The recognition by TIME serves not only as an acknowledgement of her individual brilliance but also as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly women in sports.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share