India captain Shubman Gill has been named the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s Player of the Month for September, setting a new benchmark in the men’s category with his fifth win. Fellow Indian Shafali Verma claimed the women’s award after playing a pivotal role in her country’s success at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
Gill’s latest recognition follows two outstanding performances against the West Indies in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. Although he played only two matches during September, his remarkable run-scoring made him the leading contender for the monthly award. He has now won the men’s honour more times than any other player, while West Indies women’s cricketer Hayley Matthews is the only other player to have collected five awards across the men’s and women’s categories combined.
The Indian captain delivered a century in the first ODI against the West Indies, scoring 110 from 108 balls. He followed it with an unbeaten 223 off 133 deliveries in the second match, producing a commanding double century that brought several records within reach and established new milestones.
India successfully chased a target of 406, securing victory with 39 balls remaining. Gill’s ability to combine controlled batting with aggressive stroke play proved decisive in the pursuit, underlining his growing influence in the 50-over format.
His performances earned him the award ahead of fellow Indian Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Gill had previously won the monthly accolade in January and September 2023, as well as February and July 2025. The September award adds another significant achievement to his growing collection of individual honours.
Speaking after receiving the recognition, Gill expressed his gratitude to the ICC selection panel and said it felt special to win the award for a fifth time. He also highlighted the importance of performing in front of home supporters, describing his contribution to a successful run chase as particularly satisfying.
Gill acknowledged that the pace of ODI cricket had increased considerably, requiring players to assess situations quickly and adapt their approach to the pitch and the target. He said India were determined to raise their standards and build a stronger, more balanced team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The captain’s comments reflect the tactical demands of modern limited-overs cricket, in which teams must balance attacking intent with the ability to manage pressure. Gill’s performances against the West Indies demonstrated both qualities, as he converted strong starts into substantial scores and helped India complete a demanding chase.
Shafali Verma Rewarded for Outstanding All-Round Performances
Shafali Verma secured the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September, earning recognition for her influential performances across the Asia Cup and the Asian Games. The 22-year-old opener won the honour for the second time, having previously received it in November 2025.
She finished ahead of fellow Indian spinner Sree Charani and Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu in the voting. Shafali’s success reflected her contribution in both batting and bowling, with her aggressive approach at the crease helping India maintain momentum in crucial matches.
At the Asia Cup, she scored 360 runs at a strike rate of 184.61 and claimed six wickets. Her contributions were especially important in the knockout stages. She scored 64 from 40 balls in the semi-final and followed it with 68 off 39 deliveries in the final.
Those performances earned her both the Player of the Match award in the final and the Player of the Tournament accolade. Her ability to score quickly while also contributing with the ball made her one of the standout performers of the competition.
Shafali carried her impressive form into the cricket tournament at the Asian Games. Against Japan, she struck an unbeaten 40 from just 15 deliveries and took two wickets. She then produced a remarkable unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the semi-final, scoring 100 from 49 balls.
In the gold medal match, she added 48 runs from 29 deliveries before taking another two wickets. Her contributions in the final stages of the competition demonstrated her value as an all-round option for India, particularly in matches where momentum could change rapidly.
The monthly award recognises not only Shafali’s run-scoring but also her consistency across two major tournaments. Her performances helped India secure important victories, while her ability to contribute in multiple roles strengthened the team’s overall balance.
After receiving the honour, Shafali described the award as a tremendous privilege. She said playing a part in India’s victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games had been deeply satisfying, adding that the recognition made those achievements even more memorable.
She also expressed enthusiasm about the challenges ahead, particularly the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February. Shafali said she was determined to continue performing at her best and was looking forward to competing in another major international tournament. Reflecting on India’s World Cup triumph, she said the memories remained fresh and special, while the prospect of playing in an ICC event on home soil was especially exciting.
India Celebrates Another Double Award Victory
The September awards mark the fifth occasion on which players from the same country have won the ICC’s men’s and women’s monthly honours in the same month. India has achieved this distinction three times.
In June 2024, Smriti Mandhana won the women’s award while Jasprit Bumrah received the men’s honour. The same combination of success across the two categories occurred again in September 2025, when Mandhana and Abhishek Sharma were recognised.
Gill and Shafali’s latest achievements add to that record and highlight India’s strength across both sides of the international game. Gill’s remarkable performances against the West Indies showcased his ability to dominate in ODI cricket, while Shafali’s contributions across two competitions demonstrated her versatility and attacking instincts.
For Gill, the award represents another milestone in his career and reinforces his position among the leading batters in men’s cricket. For Shafali, it rewards a month in which her performances with both bat and ball helped India achieve success on major stages.
Their simultaneous recognition also provides a positive note for Indian cricket as both teams prepare for future international challenges.
