Naman Awards 2026: Celebrating Cricket Excellence

Reaction from the field

The Naman Awards 2026, held on March 15 in New Delhi, marked a significant celebration of cricketing excellence, with Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana emerging as the standout winners. Gill was honored with the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer in men’s cricket, while Mandhana took home the award for Best International Cricketer in women’s cricket. This recognition underscores the remarkable performances both players delivered over the past year.

Shubman Gill finished the year 2025 as the leading run-scorer in Test cricket, amassing an impressive total of 983 runs. His top score of 269 runs against England at Edgbaston was a highlight of his season, showcasing his skill and consistency. This award marks Gill’s second Cricketer of the Year title, having previously won in 2023, further solidifying his position as one of the premier talents in international cricket.

On the women’s side, Smriti Mandhana’s achievements were equally commendable. She was India’s highest run-scorer during the Women’s World Cup, accumulating 571 runs at an average of 54.25. This victory at the Naman Awards represents her fifth win of the women’s cricketer award, reflecting her sustained excellence and impact on the game.

The ceremony also recognized the contributions of cricket legends with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj. Their accolades serve as a testament to their enduring legacy in Indian cricket, inspiring future generations of players.

The Naman Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective success of the Indian cricket team. In 2025, India secured six ICC trophies, a historic feat that underscores the team’s dominance on the international stage. Gill remarked, “What we as an Indian cricket group were able to achieve last year was truly tremendous — five ICC trophies, something I don’t think has ever happened before.”

The awards ceremony was broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Jio Hotstar, allowing fans to engage with the event and celebrate the achievements of their favorite players. Mandhana expressed her gratitude, stating, “It has truly been a brilliant year. So, thank you — and thank you to the BCCI for supporting women’s cricket the way you have.”

As the cricketing community celebrates these achievements, the players are expected to link up with their respective camps ahead of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28. This transition marks a new chapter for these athletes as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments or additional awards that may be announced in the coming weeks. However, the Naman Awards 2026 have undoubtedly set a high standard for recognizing excellence in the sport.