By Devender Singh | IndiaPrimeTV.com For decades, India’s global sporting identity was defined by men’s cricket, hockey legends and a handful of Olympic champions. Today, that narrative is rapidly changing.
Indian women athletes are not only breaking records but are also earning recognition from some of the world’s most influential publications. The latest example is Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana, who has been named in TIME Magazine’s 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Mandhana is the only Indian athlete featured on this year’s prestigious list.
TIME’s annual Sports 100 honours athletes, coaches, investors and advocates who are shaping the future of sports and redefining global influence beyond the playing field.
The list is led by basketball icon LeBron James and includes some of the biggest names in world sport, including football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, NBA star Victor Wembanyama, golfer Rory McIlroy and Chinese-American freestyle skier Eileen Gu.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
At 29, Smriti Mandhana has become one of the most recognisable faces in global cricket.
The Mumbai-born left-handed opener has consistently delivered record-breaking performances while playing a pivotal role in the growth of women’s cricket in India.
In its profile of Mandhana, TIME described her as a trailblazer whose achievements continue to redefine the sport.
Among her major accomplishments:
- First Indian woman to score a double century in domestic one-day cricket.
- First Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats.
- Joint holder of the record for the most international centuries in women’s cricket, with 17 hundreds.
- First woman cricketer to score more than 1,000 runs in One-Day Internationals in a calendar year.
- India’s highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals.
Mandhana has also established herself as one of the most successful leaders in franchise cricket.
As captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she guided the team to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026, cementing her reputation as both an elite batter and an inspiring leader.
She was also a key figure in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup-winning campaign, serving as vice-captain and finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer.
Global Recognition Beyond the Cricket Field
Mandhana’s influence extends far beyond statistics.
Over the past few years, international media organisations such as TIME, BBC, The Guardian and ESPNcricinfo have repeatedly highlighted her role in transforming women’s cricket and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
She was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year in 2025, further reinforcing her growing global appeal.
Experts believe Mandhana represents a new era of Indian athletes—one defined not only by sporting excellence but also by leadership, brand value and social influence.
India’s Rising Presence in Global Sports
Mandhana’s inclusion in the TIME Sports 100 list reflects a broader shift in the global sports landscape.
Athletes from emerging economies are increasingly challenging the dominance of traditional sporting powerhouses.
South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma, who led his team to historic Test victories and World Test Championship success, is among the influential figures recognised this year.
Brazilian football star Vinícius Júnior, Chinese table tennis champion Sun Yingsha and Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu are also reshaping global sport and inspiring millions worldwide.
Their success demonstrates that sporting influence is no longer limited to a handful of countries.
Why This Recognition Matters for India
Mandhana’s achievement is more than an individual honour—it is a reflection of the growing strength of Indian women’s sport.
India is investing heavily in sports infrastructure, professional leagues and grassroots development, while also pursuing its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The success of initiatives such as the Women’s Premier League has helped create new opportunities for female athletes and increased the global visibility of Indian women’s cricket.
For millions of young girls across India, Mandhana has become a symbol of what is possible through talent, perseverance and determination.
Alongside athletes such as PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Nikhat Zareen, she is inspiring a generation to dream bigger.
More Than a Cricketer
Smriti Mandhana’s rise highlights an important truth about modern sport: influence is no longer measured solely by trophies and records.
Today’s sporting icons are recognised for their ability to inspire change, build communities and shape conversations far beyond the field of play.
By earning a place on TIME Magazine’s prestigious list, Mandhana has secured her position not only as one of India’s greatest cricketers but also as one of the most influential voices in global sport.
As Indian women’s cricket continues its remarkable growth, Smriti Mandhana is leading the way—and the world is taking notice.
