Indian cricket stars Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana were honoured with the highest individual recognitions at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 held in New Delhi. Gill received the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer in men’s cricket, while Mandhana was named the BCCI’s Best International Cricketer in women’s cricket. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of India’s top performers in international cricket and brought together several current and former cricketers to recognise their contributions to the sport. The Naman Awards is an annual event organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to acknowledge the outstanding performances of Indian cricketers over the previous year.
Shubman Gill receives Polly Umrigar Award
Shubman Gill was honoured with the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Men’s Cricketer of the Year for his remarkable performances with the bat. This marks the second time Gill has received the prestigious honour after first winning the award in 2023. The young opener has consistently delivered impressive performances for India across formats and has emerged as one of the most dependable batters in the national team. During his outstanding run in international cricket, Gill accumulated 1,584 runs in 29 One Day Internationals at an average of 63.36 and an impressive strike rate of 105.45. His performance included five centuries, which highlighted his ability to convert strong starts into match-winning innings. Gill’s elegant stroke play and calm temperament at the crease have made him one of the brightest young stars in international cricket. His ability to dominate bowling attacks while maintaining consistency has been crucial for India’s batting lineup.
Smriti Mandhana named Women’s Cricketer of the Year
In women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana received the BCCI award for Best International Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Mandhana has been one of the most influential players in the Indian women’s cricket team for several years. Known for her stylish batting and aggressive approach at the top of the order, she has delivered several match-winning performances for India in international competitions. Mandhana’s consistency and leadership qualities have made her one of the most respected players in women’s cricket globally. Over the years, she has played key roles in many important matches and tournaments for India. Her ability to handle pressure and score crucial runs has made her an integral part of the team’s success. The recognition at the Naman Awards reflects her continued excellence and her impact on Indian women’s cricket.
Naman Awards celebrate excellence in Indian cricket
The Naman Awards ceremony is one of the most prestigious recognition platforms in Indian cricket. Organised by the BCCI, the awards aim to celebrate outstanding performances by Indian cricketers across different formats and categories. The 2026 ceremony held in New Delhi witnessed the presence of several prominent figures from the cricketing world. Awards were presented to players who delivered exceptional performances in international and domestic cricket. The recognition given to Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana highlights their significant contributions to Indian cricket. Both players have consistently demonstrated their skill, dedication, and commitment to representing the country at the highest level. Gill has established himself as one of India’s leading batters in the men’s team, while Mandhana continues to inspire millions as one of the most accomplished players in women’s cricket. The awards ceremony also served as a celebration of India’s cricketing achievements and acknowledged the efforts of players who continue to elevate the sport in the country.
