Mandhana and Bavuma Named in TIME’s 2026 Most Influential Sports List

Smriti Mandhana and Temba Bavuma have earned places in TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026”, becoming the only two cricketers featured in this year’s prestigious list.

The list includes several global sports icons such as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Alcaraz, and Rory McIlroy. Both Mandhana and Bavuma were recognized under the “Titans” category.

Mandhana’s inclusion highlights her extraordinary rise in women’s cricket. The Indian opener has shattered multiple records, including becoming the first Indian woman to score a double century in domestic one-day cricket and the first to register centuries in all three international formats. She also shares the record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket, with 17 tons.

Beyond individual milestones, Mandhana has played a crucial role in team success. She captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026, while also serving as vice-captain during India’s victorious ICC Women’s World Cup campaign in 2025. She is currently representing India in the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and recently starred with a match-winning 68 against Pakistan.

Bavuma’s recognition comes after leading South Africa national cricket team to historic achievements in Test cricket. He captained South Africa to the 2023–25 World Test Championship title, guiding them to victory over Australia in the final and securing the country’s first major ICC trophy since 1998.

As South Africa’s first Black full-time cricket captain, Bavuma’s journey has carried immense significance beyond the field. His leadership and performances—including a gritty 66 in the WTC final despite injury—have made him a symbol of progress and inspiration in South African cricket.

TIME praised both players not only for their performances but also for their broader influence on the sport and their ability to inspire millions worldwide.

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