In a grand ceremony held in New Delhi on March 15, 2026, India's star cricketers Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana were honored with significant awards at the Naman Awards. Gill was recognized with the Polly Umrigar Award for the best international cricketer in the men's category, marking his second time receiving this honor. Meanwhile, Mandhana was named the BCCI's best international cricketer in the women's category, underlining her remarkable contributions to the sport.

This award for Gill highlights his outstanding performance in international cricket, especially with his remarkable statistics in the past two years. He had previously won the 'Cricketer of the Year' award in 2023, where he scored an impressive 1584 runs in 29 One Day Internationals with a striking average just above 63. In the following year, he continued to impress, particularly in the Test format, where he amassed 754 runs during a five-match series against England, reinforcing his status as a top-tier batsman.

Mandhana's recognition reflects her vital role in women's cricket, contributing significantly to the Indian team's success. Her consistent performance and ability to perform under pressure have established her as one of the leading women's cricketers globally. Together, the accolades received by Gill and Mandhana not only celebrate their individual achievements but also serve as a testament to the growth and prominence of cricket in India, inspiring future generations of players.