Shubman Gill beats Abhishek Sharma to make history with fifth ICC Player of the Month award as Shafali Verma completes India’s double

Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma (ANI/IANS Photos) NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill extended his dominance in the ICC Player of the Month awards, while Shafali Verma added another individual accolade to India’s recent success, with the two stars being named the men’s and women’s players of the month for September.Gill won the award for a record fifth time in the men’s category after a sensational ODI series against the West Indies, while Shafali won her second monthly award after influential performances in India’s Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games triumphs. The deuce was the third time India won both awards in the same month.Gill’s latest accolade puts him alongside West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who has also won the ICC Player of the Month award five times in the men’s and women’s categories.

Gill’s record fifth award after a stunning ODI double

Gill’s September campaign was spearheaded by two remarkable innings against the West Indies. In the opening ODI in Thiruvananthapuram, he started with an impressive 110 to help India secure an eight-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.The India captain raised the bar in the next match, smashing 223 off just 133 deliveries in a breathtaking display of the stroke. His innings powered India to a successful chase of 406, with the hosts winning by eight wickets with 39 balls to spare.The double century was the fastest in ODI history and added another milestone to Gill’s growing list of achievements.“It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award and I am grateful to the jury for this honour. It was immensely satisfying to score these runs and even more special to be part of successful run chases in front of our home fans, whose support always gives us that extra boost,” said Gill.The right-hander also highlighted the evolving demands of ODI cricket and India’s preparations for the next Men’s World Cup.“The pace of ODI cricket has increased significantly and you have to think on your feet, quickly assess the conditions and adapt to the demands of the pitch and target. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year, we are determined to continue to raise our standards and build a strong and balanced team capable of meeting future challenges,” he added.Gill’s previous monthly awards came in January and September 2023, followed by February and July 2025. His fifth win further extends his record in the men’s category.

Shafali completes India’s double after Asia Cup and Asian Games heroics

Shafali’s recognition in September reflects her impact in two major tournaments where her aggressive batting and useful contributions with the ball helped India enjoy a successful run.The opener finished as India’s leading run-scorer during their victorious campaign in the Women’s Asia Cup, amassing 360 runs at a strike rate of 184.61. She also took six wickets during this period, underscoring her all-round contribution.She carried that form into the Asian Games, scoring 100 in the semi-final against Bangladesh and 48 in the final against Sri Lanka.“It’s an incredible honor to win the ICC Player of the Month award again. It was immensely satisfying to play a part in our Asian Cup and Asian Games victories and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special,” said Shafali.The award is her second, following her first victory in November 2025 following a winning performance in the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.“I’m excited for the coming months and determined to continue to perform at my best, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy next February another tournament to look forward to. The memory of winning the World Cup is still so fresh and special and I can’t wait to be back on the court at an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!” she added.

India achieved the double award for the third time

India’s latest sweep is the fifth occasion in the award’s history that players from the same cricket board have won both monthly honours, and the third time India have achieved the feat.Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana won the men’s and women’s awards in June 2024, while Abhishek Sharma and Mandhana completed the double in September 2025.Indian opener Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza also appeared in the September men’s shortlist. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Indian spinner Sree Charani have been nominated in the women’s category.