India captain Shubman Gill and opener Shafali Verma have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month, respectively, for their impressive performances. Gill earned the men’s award after a strong ODI series against the West Indies, while Shafali earned hers for her contributions in the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
With this win, Gill has claimed the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the fifth time in his career. He has now matched West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who has also won the monthly honour five times.
Gill previously received the award in January and September 2023, followed by February and July 2025.
Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Performance
Gill played a key role in India’s batting success against the West Indies. He scored a century in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram before producing a stunning double-century in the next match.
The India captain made 110 in the opening ODI and followed it up with 223 off just 133 balls. His double-century helped India chase down a massive target of 406 runs, with the team winning by eight wickets and 39 balls to spare.
Speaking after receiving the award, Gill said he was delighted to win the honour for the fifth time and thanked the panel for selecting him.
“It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award, and I am grateful to the panel for this honour,” Gill said as quoted by ICC.
He also spoke about the satisfaction of scoring big runs while helping India win matches in front of their home supporters.
“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,” Gill said.
Gill added that the modern ODI game demands quick thinking and the ability to adjust to changing conditions.
“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 and the target.
Shafali Verma Shines In Asia Cup And Asian Games
Shafali Verma won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after an impressive run in major tournaments. The India opener was instrumental in her team’s Asia Cup triumph and also delivered important performances at the Asian Games.
Shafali finished as India’s leading run-scorer during the Asia Cup, scoring 360 runs at a strike rate of 184.61. She also picked up six wickets during the period.
Her strong form continued at the Asian Games, where she scored an unbeaten 100 against Bangladesh in the semifinal. She then made 48 in the final against Sri Lanka.
The 22-year-old had previously won the award in November last year after her match-winning performance in the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
Shafali said winning the award again was a special moment and credited her contributions to India’s success in the two tournaments.
“It is an incredible honour to win the ICC Player of the Month award again. 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,” Shafali said as quoted by ICC.
Shafali also expressed excitement about the upcoming months, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year.
“I am excited about the months ahead and determined to keep performing at my best, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year 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 field for an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!”
India Achieve Another Men’s And Women’s Award Sweep
This is the fifth time players from the same national board have won both the men’s and women’s ICC Player of the Month awards in the same month. India have achieved the double twice before.
Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana won the respective awards in June 2024, while Abhishek Sharma and Mandhana claimed the honours in September 2025.
The latest awards also featured several other leading performers on the shortlists. Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza were in contention for the men’s award, while Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and India left-arm spinner Sree Charani were shortlisted for the women’s honour.
