New Delhi, Oct 13: India captain Shubman Gill and opener Shafali Verma have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month, respectively, following their outstanding performances in international cricket.
Gill claimed the men’s honour for a record-equalling fifth time after an impressive showing in the ODI series against the West Indies, while Verma was recognised for her match-winning contributions in the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
With his latest award, Gill has equalled West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who has also won the ICC Player of the Month award five times. The Indian batter had previously received the honour in January and September 2023, as well as February and July 2025.
Gill’s standout performance came in the second ODI against the West Indies, where he smashed a breathtaking 223 off just 133 deliveries. His double-century powered India to a successful chase of a massive 406-run target, with the hosts securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory with 39 balls to spare. He had also scored a fine 110 in the opening match of the series in Thiruvananthapuram.
Expressing his delight at receiving the award, Gill said it was a special feeling to win the honour for the fifth time. He also credited the support of home fans and highlighted the importance of adapting quickly to the evolving demands of ODI cricket.
Shafali Verma Gets Rewarded For Stellar Asian Games Performances
Meanwhile, Verma continued her impressive run in women’s cricket to secure the women’s award. The aggressive opener was instrumental in India’s Women’s Asia Cup triumph, finishing as the team’s leading run-scorer with 360 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 184.61. She also took six wickets during the period.
Verma carried her form into the Asian Games, scoring an unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the semifinal before making 48 in the final against Sri Lanka.
The 22-year-old had previously won the award in November last year following her match-winning performance in the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
Verma described the recognition as an honour and said contributing to India’s victories in the Asia Cup and Asian Games had been immensely satisfying. She also expressed excitement about representing India in upcoming ICC tournaments, particularly the Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year.
This double success marks the fifth time players from the same national board have won both ICC monthly awards in the same month. India previously achieved the feat with Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana in June 2024, and with Abhishek Sharma and Mandhana in September 2025.
The men’s shortlist also featured Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, while Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu and India spinner Sree Charani were among the contenders for the women’s award.