Indian women’s sport enjoyed a landmark year in 2025, and its impact is clearly visible in the nominations for the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2025. Leading the shortlist are two of the biggest names in Indian cricket Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana whose performances and leadership defined a historic phase for the national team. Joining them are chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, shooting sensation Suruchi Singh, and star hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, making it a truly diverse and inspiring list.
At the centre of attention is Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain who guided India to their first ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in November 2025. The triumph was the result of years of near misses and heartbreaks, and Harmanpreet’s calm leadership played a decisive role. In the semi-final against Australia, while chasing a daunting target of 339, she delivered one of the most mature innings of her career, scoring 89 off 88 balls under immense pressure.
It was another reminder of her ability to rise on the biggest stage, echoing memories of her iconic unbeaten 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup. At 36, the right-handed batter and off break bowler has built a remarkable international career, featuring in 6 Tests scoring 200 runs while also contributing with 12 wickets, often stepping up in challenging conditions.
She has been a pillar of the middle-order, featuring in 161 ODIs and amassing 4,409 runs, along with 31 wickets, making her a valuable all-round presence. Her impact is even more pronounced in the shortest format, where she has played 187 WT20Is, scoring 3,784 runs and picking up 32 wickets. Her influence goes beyond numbers, earning her recognition among Time magazine’s Top 100 Emerging Leaders and BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring Women.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with her is Smriti Mandhana, India’s vice-captain and one of the most graceful batters in world cricket. At just 29, Mandhana has already carved out a special place in the game. A left-handed opener known for her elegance and fearlessness, she has amassed over 5,300 runs in ODIs and more than 4,100 runs in T20Is.
In September 2025, she produced a moment that captured her brilliance: a breathtaking 50 ball century against Australia, the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian, breaking Virat Kohli’s long-standing record. A two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, Mandhana’s consistency and hunger for big performances make her one of the finest ambassadors of Indian cricket.
Beyond cricket, the remaining nominees highlight the growing strength of Indian women’s sport. Divya Deshmukh created history by becoming the youngest and first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup. Suruchi Singh impressed the shooting world with multiple ISSF World Cup gold medals in 2025, while Jyothi Yarraji continued her rise as India’s premier hurdler with gold at the Asian Athletics Championships.
Shortlisted by an eminent jury of sports editors and experts, the nominations celebrate excellence, resilience, and inspiration. Yet, with their leadership, records, and match winning moments, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana remain the faces of a golden chapter in Indian women’s cricket, one that continues to inspire millions.
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