Smriti Mandhana Leads Indian Women’s Cricket to Global Recognition With TIME and BBC Nominations

Smriti Mandhana appears as the sole Indian on TIME’s 2026 list of influential sports figures, highlighting her role as a leading batter for the national women’s cricket side in the global arena.

Indian Women’s Cricket Team earned a nomination for the 2026 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year awards, reflecting the team’s strong performances in recent international series and placing the squad among top female athletes recognized for impact across Indian sport.

BBC reports a surge of confidence among Indian women athletes, noting cricket’s rise as a flagship sport that inspires younger players, draws broader fan interest, and benefits from increased broadcast coverage and social media buzz across the country.

Recognition of these athletes signals growing media focus and sponsorship for women’s sport in India, encouraging investment in training facilities, increasing viewership for women's cricket matches nationwide, and driving higher TV ratings and sponsorship deals for the league.