Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana Honored as BCCI's Top Cricketers at Naman Awards 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated excellence in cricket at the prestigious Naman Awards 2026 on Sunday, with star batters Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana taking home the top honors as the Best International Cricketers for Men and Women, respectively. The awards recognized their exceptional performances during the 2024–2025 season, cementing their status as pillars of Indian cricket.
Gill Claims Second Polly Umrigar Award with Dominant Batting Display
Shubman Gill was awarded the coveted Polly Umrigar Award for the second time in his career, having first won the Cricketer of the Year title in 2023. His remarkable 2025 season showcased his dominance in the longer formats of the game. Gill was instrumental in India's five-Test series in England, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer with an impressive 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.40. This included four centuries and a career-best knock of 269 runs.
Furthermore, Gill played a pivotal role in India's Champions Trophy triumph last year, entering the tournament as the world's No.1-ranked ODI batter. He began the competition with an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh and concluded with a total of 188 runs, demonstrating consistency and match-winning ability on the global stage.
Mandhana Makes History with Record-Breaking Fifth Cricketer of the Year Title
Smriti Mandhana earned the Best International Cricketer (Women's) award for an unprecedented fifth time, highlighting her sustained excellence and leadership in women's cricket. In 2025, Mandhana amassed a staggering 1,703 international runs, with 1,362 of those coming in ODIs—the highest by any woman in a single calendar year. This achievement made her the first female batter in ODI history to surpass 1,000 runs in a year.
Mandhana was a key figure in India's maiden Women's World Cup victory, scoring 434 runs across nine matches to finish as India's top scorer and the second-highest overall in the tournament. Earlier in the year, she smashed a 50-ball century against Australia in New Delhi, setting the record for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian batter and breaking Virat Kohli's previous mark of 52 balls.
Lifetime Achievement Awards Honor Cricket Legends
The ceremony also paid tribute to former cricketing greats, with Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj receiving the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCI's highest accolade. This honor recognizes their remarkable and enduring contributions to Indian cricket, spanning decades of dedication and success.
Roger Binny, a former all-rounder, was celebrated for his pivotal role in India's 1983 World Cup win and his subsequent contributions as a selector and administrator.
Rahul Dravid, known as "The Wall," was honored for his legendary batting career and his ongoing impact as a coach and mentor, shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Mithali Raj, the iconic former captain of the Indian women's team, was recognized for her trailblazing leadership and record-breaking performances that have inspired countless young athletes.
Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring Future Generations
The BCCI Naman Awards 2026 not only celebrated the current stars like Gill and Mandhana but also honored the legacy of past legends, underscoring the rich history and bright future of Indian cricket. These awards serve as a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of players who continue to elevate the sport on both domestic and international platforms.
As Indian cricket moves forward, the achievements of these awardees set a high benchmark for aspiring cricketers, encouraging them to strive for excellence and contribute to the nation's sporting glory.
