Rohit Sharma, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, captain of India’s Cricket World Cup winners Rohit Sharma is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the athlete's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 23/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Sharma for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 38-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Sharma so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the athlete have already been named ‘Indian Of The Year’ by some major Indian newspapers and even ‘Nagpur Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Nagpur (Rohit Sharma's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the athlete was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Rohit Sharma Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 22 Mar 2026

“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveRohit”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 22 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Rohit Sharma?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 22 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Rohit Sharma?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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