Shubman Gill named ICC Player of the Month for September

Young Indian opener Shubman Gill has clinched the prestigious ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September 2023. Gill’s exceptional performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) leading up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup set him apart from his competitors.

During the month of September, Shubman Gill amassed a remarkable 480 ODI runs, maintaining an impressive average of 80. His extraordinary form in 2023 has seen him steadily rise in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, placing him in close proximity to the August Player of the Month awardee, Pakistan’s Babar Azam.

Shubman Gill: Highest run scorer for Asia Cup

Gill’s run tally in the calendar month came at an average of 80, coupled with a striking strike rate of 99.37. He notably secured the highest run total at the Asia Cup, amassing 302 runs at an average of 75.5. His performance in the final of the Asia Cup, where he remained unbeaten with 27 runs, propelled India to a resounding 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. Following the conclusion of the Asia Cup, Shubman Gill continued to shine in the subsequent series against Australia. He amassed 74 runs in Mohali and an impressive 104 runs in Indore, both at a rate exceeding a run per ball.

Elated by this recognition, Shubman Gill expressed, “It’s a great privilege to represent India at the international level and contribute towards the team’s cause. This award will further motivate me to continue to seek excellence and make the country proud. I managed to make a handy contribution towards the team, which had the fortune of winning the Asia Cup 2023, and then followed it up with an ODI series win against Australia in September.”

Chamari Athapaththu becomes Women’s Player of the Month

In the realm of women’s cricket, Chamari Athapaththu, a consistent performer on the global stage for Sri Lanka over several years, achieved a historic feat in September. She secured her first Player of the Month award after leading her team to an unprecedented series victory over England in T20Is on English soil.

In a remarkable turn of events, Sri Lanka overcame an initial defeat in the series to secure a 2-1 victory against England. Chamari Athapaththu played a pivotal role in this triumph. In the second fixture held in Chelmsford, she opened the bowling and restricted England to a total of 104, with economical figures of one wicket for 11 runs in three overs. To chase the modest target, she showcased her explosive batting skills, racing to a score of 55 from 31 balls in the eight-wicket win.

In the final match, Athapaththu again delivered, claiming three wickets for 21 runs and limiting England to 116. She then guided her team to victory with an invaluable 44 runs from 28 balls. These exceptional performances allowed Chamari Athapaththu to lead her side to their first-ever series victory in any format on English soil.