• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Shubman Gill ICC's Player Of The Month Award: India Test captain Shubman Gill has been nominated for ICC's Player of the Month award for July, along with South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and England skipper Ben Stokes.

Under the astute leadership of Gill, India performed exceptionally in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, as his side scripted a hard-fought 2-2 draw.

Gill's bat was the backbone of India's batting performance in the series against England, with four centuries, including a double ton to break the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's record (732) for the highest run tally in a five-match series.

ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar Blasts Trolls For Unfairly Targeting Jasprit Bumrah, Gives Reality Check With Three Tests Stats

“Shubman Gill had a sensational month, amassing 567 runs at an impeccable average of 94.50 in three Tests during India's gripping series in England,” the ICC wrote on its website.

“He played a starring role in India's record-breaking win at Edgbaston, where he scored a monumental 269 in the first innings, followed by 161 in the second. His combined 430 runs across the two innings is the second highest tally, next only to Graham Gooch's 456,” it added.

Gill's returns are now also the second-best behind Sir Donald Bradman (810 runs) in the all-time list for captains.

The ICC said Gill took the baton from “all-time great” Virat Kohli at No.4.

“His consistency at No. 4, carrying on the baton from all-time great Virat Kohli, provided stability and flair in equal measure, and combined with his extraordinary captaincy in his debut series,” it said.

In his first tour as South Africa captain, Mulder slammed an enormous 367 not out against Zimbabwe, and he could have broken legendary Brian Lara's record for the highest individual total of 400 not out, but he decided to declare his team's innings.

“He scored 531 runs across the two matches at an astonishing average of 265.50, including a composed 147 in the second innings of the first Test," the ICC said.

ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna Achieve Career Best Rankings After Heroic Performances At Oval

“However, his standout act came in the second Test at Bulawayo, where he smashed an unbeaten 367 in his maiden outing as South Africa's Test skipper — the highest individual score in South African Test history.”

The ICC further praised Stokes for his all-round performance against India in the recently concluded Test series, stating, “He scored 251 runs at an average of 50.20 and took 12 wickets at 26.33, delivering in high-pressure situations with both bat and ball."

“His leadership proved crucial in maintaining England's intensity and belief in a closely contested series. With ball in hand, he bowled long spells, often breaking key partnerships and turning the tide in England's favour,” it added.