Dubai, Oct 13: Shubman Gill, the captain of India’s ODI and Test teams, along with opener Shafali Verma, has been honored as the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for September, marking the third time India has achieved this feat in the award’s history.
Gill has now received this accolade five times, following an outstanding ODI series against the West Indies, which has set a record for the most wins in the men’s category. Verma, on the other hand, secured her second award due to her pivotal contributions in India’s victories at the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
This latest recognition for Gill places him in the same league as West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who has also won the ICC Player of the Month award five times. His previous accolades were awarded in January and September 2023, as well as February and July 2025.
In the ODI series against the West Indies, Gill made a significant impact, scoring 110 runs in the first match in Thiruvananthapuram, leading India to an eight-wicket victory and a 1-0 series lead.
He followed this with a remarkable 223 runs off just 133 balls, achieving the fastest double-century in ODI history and helping India chase down a target of 406 runs, winning by eight wickets with 39 balls to spare.
“Winning my fifth ICC Player of the Month award feels amazing, and I appreciate the panel for this recognition. Scoring those runs was incredibly fulfilling, especially in front of our home crowd, whose support always motivates us,” Gill expressed.
“The pace of ODI cricket has increased significantly, requiring quick thinking and adaptability to the pitch conditions and target. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup approaching in southern Africa next year, we aim to elevate our standards and create a robust team ready for upcoming challenges,” he added.
Shafali Verma has also been in exceptional form, emerging as India’s top run-scorer during the Women’s Asia Cup, where she amassed 360 runs at a strike rate of 184.61 and took six wickets.
She continued her impressive performance at the Asian Games, scoring an unbeaten 100 against Bangladesh in the semi-finals and contributing 48 runs in the final against Sri Lanka.
This is Verma’s second ICC Player of the Month award, having previously won in November 2025 for her outstanding performance in the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award again is a tremendous honor. Contributing to our victories in the Asia Cup and the Asian Games makes this award even more special,” Shafali remarked.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming months and am committed to maintaining my performance, especially with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy set for February next year. The memory of our World Cup victory is still fresh, and I eagerly anticipate competing in an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!” she concluded.
The shortlist for September also included India opener Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza in the men’s category, while Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Indian left-arm spinner Sree Charani were nominated for the women’s award.
This marks the fifth time players from the same cricket board have secured both monthly honors, with India achieving this double for the third time. Previously, Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana won the awards in June 2024, and Abhishek Sharma and Mandhana claimed the honors in September 2025.