For six summers, The Hundred has sought to redefine cricket in England. Built around a fast-paced 100-ball format, franchise rivalries and packed stadiums, the tournament has become one of the most influential competitions in world cricket. Yet for Indian fans, there has always been one noticeable absence.
No active Indian men’s cricketer has ever featured in The Hundred. The reason is well known. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not permit contracted men’s players to participate in overseas franchise leagues. As a result, India’s presence has rested entirely on its women’s stars, who have become some of the league’s biggest attractions.
That trend continues in 2026. As The Hundred returns for its sixth edition on July 21, four Indian internationals will represent three franchises. Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh will once again carry Indian hopes in a tournament that has rapidly established itself as one of the premier competitions in women’s cricket. Their participation is more than just another overseas assignment. It reflects the growing global demand for Indian talent and the increasing influence of India’s women cricketers on franchise cricket around the world.
Smriti Mandhana: The Established Superstar
If there is one Indian player capable of dominating any league in the world, it is Smriti Mandhana. The Manchester Super Giants opener arrives in England in exceptional form after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women to their second Women’s Premier League title earlier this year. Already regarded as one of the most elegant left-hand batters in the game, Mandhana combines timing with fearless stroke play, qualities perfectly suited to The Hundred’s high-scoring format.
Manchester secured Mandhana through a direct signing, underlining her status as one of the competition’s marquee players. Over the years, she has become one of the most recognisable faces in women’s franchise cricket, featuring in leagues across England, Australia and India.
Her experience of English conditions also makes her invaluable. Having previously represented Southern Brave in earlier editions and played county cricket in England, Mandhana understands the challenges posed by swinging conditions and can adapt her game accordingly.
Speaking previously about overseas leagues, Mandhana said, “Playing in different conditions and different leagues helps you grow as a cricketer.” That philosophy has been evident throughout her career, with every franchise stint adding another dimension to her batting.
Deepti Sharma: The Complete All-Rounder
Few players offer franchises as much balance as Deepti Sharma. Signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £27,500 during the player draft, the Indian all-rounder enters the tournament after two productive seasons with London Spirit, where she scored 289 runs at a strike rate of 126.75 while also claiming 18 wickets.
Those numbers explain why franchises continue to invest in her. Whether stabilising an innings, accelerating in the closing overs or breaking crucial partnerships with her off-spin, Deepti remains one of the most dependable all-rounders in world cricket. Her calm temperament under pressure has repeatedly proved invaluable for both India and her franchise teams.
In a format where every ball carries greater significance, players capable of contributing in multiple departments often become match winners. Deepti fits that description perfectly.
Jemimah Rodrigues: The Game Changer
Retained by Southern Brave, Jemimah Rodrigues remains one of the tournament’s most entertaining batters. Known for her innovative stroke play and electric fielding, Rodrigues thrives in formats that reward intent. She possesses the rare ability to shift momentum within a few deliveries, making her an ideal player for The Hundred.
Beyond her batting, Rodrigues brings infectious energy to every side she represents. Whether celebrating wickets, saving boundaries or lifting teammates during pressure situations, she has become one of the game’s most charismatic personalities. Her performances in franchise cricket over the past few seasons have demonstrated greater maturity, with improved consistency complementing her natural attacking instincts.
Richa Ghosh: The Finisher
Manchester Super Giants strengthened their middle order by signing wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh in the player draft. One of the cleanest ball strikers in women’s cricket, Ghosh has built a reputation as a destructive finisher capable of changing games within a handful of deliveries. Her fearless approach has made her one of India’s most exciting white-ball cricketers.
The Hundred’s shorter format places enormous value on players who can maximise every scoring opportunity. Few batters in world cricket attack from the outset as naturally as Ghosh.
Alongside Mandhana, she gives Manchester one of the tournament’s most formidable Indian combinations.
Why Indian Players Matter?
The growing presence of Indian women in overseas franchise leagues mirrors the rapid rise of women’s cricket globally. The success of the Women’s Premier League has elevated India’s leading players into international franchise stars, increasing both their commercial value and their tactical experience. Competitions such as The Hundred allow them to compete alongside and against the world’s best, exposing them to different coaching methods, playing conditions and high-pressure situations.
That experience ultimately benefits Indian cricket. As India’s preparations continue for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, overseas leagues have become an important part of player development.
Mandhana’s elegance, Deepti’s versatility, Rodrigues’ flair and Ghosh’s power represent four different dimensions of modern Indian cricket. Together, they embody the depth and quality that has transformed India into one of the strongest teams in the women’s game.
When The Hundred begins its sixth season, Indian fans will once again have four compelling reasons to tune in. In a league built on speed, innovation and entertainment, India’s quartet is not merely participating. They are among the players most capable of defining the tournament.
