India captain Shubman Gill has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for September 2026 after producing outstanding performances in the ODI series against the West Indies. He beat fellow Indian Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza in the race for the monthly honour.
Shubman Gill’s award-winning run came through two remarkable innings in India’s first two ODIs against the West Indies. He scored a century in the opening match before producing an unbeaten double century in the second, helping India register consecutive eight-wicket victories and clinch the series.
Shubman Gill creates history as first-ever five-time ICC Player of the Month winner
Shubman Gill accumulated 333 runs across the first two ODIs, delivering match-winning performances in contrasting circumstances. In the opening match in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, he scored 110 off 108 balls as India chased the West Indies’ 295/7, reaching the target in 41.4 overs.
His performance in Guwahati three days later was even more extraordinary. After the visitors posted 405/7, their first ODI total above 400, Gill led India’s response with an unbeaten 223 from 133 deliveries. His innings featured 26 fours and eight sixes as India reached 406/2 in 43.3 overs, completing the chase with 39 balls remaining.
Gill reached his century in 62 balls and his double century in 117, setting records for an Indian ODI captain’s fastest hundred and the quickest double century in the format. His unbeaten 223 also became the highest individual score in a successful ODI run-chase. He shared a 255-run opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, who scored 101 off 75 balls.
India eventually won the three-match series 2-1, although the West Indies claimed the final ODI on October 3.
The September honour is Gill’s fifth ICC Men’s Player of the Month award, following previous wins in January 2023, September 2023, February 2025 and July 2025. He has extended his record as the men’s player with the most wins since the award was introduced. Indian men’s cricketers have now won it 17 times across 11 players.
‘It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award’: Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill expressed his gratitude after receiving the recognition, pointing to the satisfaction of contributing to successful chases in front of Indian supporters. He also highlighted how ODI cricket has become more demanding, requiring batters to adjust quickly to match situations and playing conditions.
“It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award, and I am grateful to the panel for this honour.”
“It was immensely satisfying to score those runs and even more special to be part of successful run chases in front of our home fans, whose support always gives us an extra boost.” he added.
Shubman Gill also stressed the importance of adapting as teams continue to approach the 50-over format more aggressively.
“The pace of ODI cricket has gone up significantly, and you must think on your feet, assess the conditions quickly and adapt to the demands of the pitch,” he said.
“With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in southern Africa next year, we are determined to keep raising our standards and build a strong, well-rounded team capable of rising to the challenges ahead,” he added.
Shafali Verma bags ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2026
India opener Shafali Verma has won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2026, securing the honour for the second time. Her first win came in November 2025, following India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding month across formats, helping India win the Women’s Asia Cup and the gold medal at the Asian Games. She scored 360 runs in seven T20Is at an average of 72 and a strike rate of 184.61, while also taking six wickets with her off-spin.
Shafali finished as the leading run-scorer at the Asia Cup, accumulating 236 runs in five innings. Her contributions included 64 in the semi-final against Bangladesh and 68 in the final against Sri Lanka. At the Asian Games, she scored 188 runs in three innings, including her maiden T20I century, a 49-ball 100 against Bangladesh in the semi-final. She also contributed 48 runs in India’s gold-medal match against Sri Lanka and claimed four wickets during the tournament.
“It is an incredible honour to win the ICC Player of the Month award again,” Shafali said. “It was immensely satisfying to play my part in our victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special.”
Source: cricketaddictor.com
