Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential Athletes of 2026

Indian women's cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been named in TIME magazine's highly anticipated "100 Most Influential Athletes of 2026" list, published in mid-June. She is the only Indian cricketer to feature on this year's list, underscoring her monumental impact on both the sport of cricket and the broader landscape of women's athletics globally.

Global Impact and WPL Success

TIME's profile on Mandhana highlighted her elegant batting style, but more importantly, her role as a catalyst for the commercial and cultural explosion of women's cricket. Her leadership in the Women's Premier League (WPL), where she captains the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was heavily cited. Under her influence, the WPL has grown into one of the most lucrative and highly viewed women's sporting leagues in the world.

A Role Model for Millions

The magazine praised Mandhana for breaking traditional gender barriers in South Asian sports and serving as an inspiration for millions of young girls across the subcontinent. Her inclusion in the list places her alongside global sporting icons from basketball, soccer, and tennis, reflecting cricket's expanding global footprint and the rising commercial viability of female athletes.