Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana Lead Honours at BCCI Naman Awards 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the winners of the prestigious Naman Awards 2026, recognising outstanding performances in Indian cricket across international and domestic competitions during the 2024–25 season. Instituted to celebrate excellence and consistency, the awards acknowledge players who have made significant contributions to Indian cricket over the past year. From international stars to emerging talents in domestic circuits, the 2026 honours highlight the depth and dynamism of the country’s cricketing ecosystem.

The headline recognition this year went to Shubman Gill, who received the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men). Named after the legendary former India captain Polly Umrigar, the award is the highest honour for a male Indian cricketer in a given season. Gill’s remarkable consistency across formats and his ability to anchor the Indian batting lineup made him a clear choice for the accolade. Over the past season, Gill delivered several match-winning performances, combining elegance with maturity at the crease. His success reflects the growing responsibility he carries in the Indian team as one of the pillars of the next generation of batting talent.

In women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana was honoured as the Best International Cricketer (Women). Mandhana’s award further cements her reputation as one of the most accomplished players in the history of Indian women’s cricket. Known for her fluent strokeplay and leadership qualities, Mandhana delivered a series of impactful performances during the season, helping India remain competitive in major international contests. With this recognition, she continues to build a remarkable legacy that has played a vital role in raising the profile of women’s cricket in India.

The awards also recognised promising newcomers who made impressive international debuts during the season. Harshit Rana received the Best International Debut (Men) award after making an immediate impact with his pace bowling and aggressive approach. Rana’s performances signalled the arrival of a promising fast-bowling talent capable of contributing significantly to India’s bowling attack in the coming years. On the women’s side, N. Sree Charani earned the Best International Debut (Women) honour. Her confident entry into the international arena demonstrated both skill and composure, indicating a bright future ahead in Indian women’s cricket.

Beyond individual performances during the season, the BCCI also honoured veterans whose contributions have shaped Indian cricket over decades. The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the most respected honours in Indian cricket—was presented to Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny. Dravid, revered as one of India’s most dependable and technically sound batters, has contributed to the game not only as a player but also as a coach and mentor. His influence on Indian cricket extends from the national team to the grassroots development of young talent.

Roger Binny, another recipient of the lifetime honour, is remembered for his pivotal role in India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph. As a key member of that squad and later as a cricket administrator, Binny has remained deeply connected with the development of Indian cricket. Recognising such figures highlights the continuity of excellence and service that has defined the sport in the country.

In women’s cricket, the BCCI conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award on Mithali Raj. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the women’s game, Raj’s illustrious career transformed the perception of women’s cricket in India. With a career spanning more than two decades, she set numerous records in international cricket and served as an inspirational leader for generations of players. Honouring Raj acknowledges the immense role she played in establishing India as a competitive force in women’s cricket globally.

The Naman Awards also spotlight the strength of India’s domestic cricket structure, which remains the foundation of the national team’s success. In the domestic limited-overs category, Ayush Mhatre from Mumbai was named Best All-Rounder. His contributions with both bat and ball demonstrated the versatility that modern cricket increasingly demands from players.

Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey had an exceptional domestic season and received multiple honours. He was named the Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy while also finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy Elite division. Dubey’s consistent bowling performances were instrumental in his team’s strong campaign. Meanwhile, Suchith J of Nagaland topped the wicket-taking charts in the Ranji Trophy Plate division.

Batting excellence in domestic cricket was also recognised. Vidarbha’s Y. V. Rathod emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy Elite division, reflecting remarkable consistency and determination across the tournament. In the Plate division, Goa’s Snehal Kauthankar finished as the leading run-getter, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure in India’s highly competitive domestic circuit.

The BCCI also honoured achievements in age-group cricket, emphasising the importance of nurturing future stars. Vicky Ostwal of Maharashtra secured the award for the highest wickets in the Under-23 C. K. Nayudu Trophy Elite category, underlining his reputation as one of the most promising young bowlers in the domestic structure. Dipjyoti Saikia of Assam led the wicket charts in the Under-23 Plate category, while Karnataka’s Macneil H. N. emerged as the top run-scorer in the Elite division.

These recognitions underline how India’s domestic and age-group tournaments continue to serve as a fertile breeding ground for talent. Many of the players celebrated at the Naman Awards represent the next wave of cricketers who may soon transition into the national setup.

Overall, the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 reflect the remarkable depth of Indian cricket. From established international stars to emerging domestic players and legendary veterans, the awards illustrate the interconnected layers that sustain the sport’s success in the country. By celebrating achievements across formats and levels, the BCCI reinforces the importance of performance, dedication, and long-term contribution to the game.

As Indian cricket continues to evolve in an increasingly competitive global environment, recognising excellence remains essential. The 2026 honours not only celebrate past achievements but also signal the bright future of Indian cricket, driven by both experienced icons and rising young talents.