Jay Shah rises to No. 22 among most powerful people in India in 2026; Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir included
Published - 29 Mar 2026, 12:54 PM
The Indian Express released its IE100 list for 2026, ranking the most powerful people in India across fields. ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah secured the 22nd position, making him the most influential figure in Indian cricket administration, shaping the sport’s global growth and financial structure.
Cricket holds a unique place in India, extending beyond sport into business, culture, and national identity. The influence of key figures often reaches governance, media, and commercial sectors, ensuring their impact is felt across different areas of public life and strengthening cricket’s role as a powerful force.
Jay Shah Secures 22nd Rank as Most Powerful Indian in Cricket in 2026
Jay Shah’s rise in the IE100 list shows his strong control over cricket administration. As Chairman of the International Cricket Council, he shapes global decisions and drives the overall direction of the sport.
His role gives him direct influence over scheduling, financial policies, and major developments in international cricket. He takes key decisions that impact both domestic and global structures, strengthening his position in the game.
Shah had also led the growth of the Indian Premier League as a financial powerhouse. He had expanded broadcasting deals and partnerships, increasing its global reach and establishing himself as a central figure in modern cricket governance.
Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli Feature in IE100 Rankings
Gautam Gambhir secured the 74th position on the IE100 list as India’s head coach. Since taking charge, he has pushed for a more aggressive style of cricket while backing young players in key roles during high-pressure series.
He has also remained active in cricket discussions, workload management, and long-term planning. The former Indian opener guided the team to titles in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Asia Cup 2025, and ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Virat Kohli secured the 75th rank on the list for his influence in Indian cricket. He remains among the most followed cricketers globally, with over 270 million Instagram followers and several major brand endorsements across sectors.
Kohli is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League, which began on Saturday, March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Jasprit Bumrah Earns Spot in IE100 List
Jasprit Bumrah secured the 82nd position on the IE100 list as a consistent performer for India. He remains a key figure across formats and continues to deliver in high-pressure situations, making him one of the most dependable bowlers in world cricket.
Bumrah last featured in India’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning campaign, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker. He picked up 14 wickets in eight innings at an economy rate of 6.21, showing control and consistency throughout the tournament.
The 32-year-old played a crucial role in the final against New Zealand, returning figures of 4-0-15-4 and earning the Player of the Match award. India secured a 96-run win while defending 256. Bumrah will now represent Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, marking his 14th season with the franchise.
Also read: IPL teams on alert!: Sri Lanka fitness crisis sees almost 50% players fail tests
About the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
