According to a recent report by the Indian Express, IE has released its list of 100 most powerful people in India in 2026. The Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, overtook the former Indian test team and ODI Captain, Rohit Sharma, to secure the 74th position, while Sharma was in the 45th position in 2025, who is missing from the top 100 list this year.

Meanwhile, the cricket sensation, Virat Kohli, who was at No. 72, has fallen to No.75, trailing behind the head coach. The bowling prodigy of the Indian team, Jasprit Bumrah, is at No. 82 in the top 100 list after his recent T20 World Cup performance.

Gambhir secured the head coach tenure of the Indian team after his successful stint with KKR in 2024, where he got the franchise their 3rd cup after a decade. Following his IPL success, Gambhir succeeded Dravid to coach the national side, where he took the squad to win the Champions Trophy in 2024 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.  

What's in store for Kohli and Sharma post red-ball retirement?

Meanwhile, Kohli and Sharma have retired from the T20Is and red-ball cricket and continue their focus on the ODIs and IPL. Kohli emerged as the highest run-getter for RCB in 2025, the year the franchise secured its first title. While Sharma, having had lukewarm seasons for the past two years, aims to go bigger this time.

Jay Shah, the current ICC President and former BCCI President, emerged at No.22, moving up from his 24th position on the list last year. He is joined by Nita Ambani, the owner of the most successful IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians, who remains on No. 26.