Shubman Gill Honored with Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer

Shubman Gill's Remarkable Achievement

On March 18, in New Delhi, Shubman Gill, the captain of India's Test cricket team, expressed his deep pride and appreciation after receiving the esteemed Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the year 2025, presented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the Naman Awards.

Gill shared that being acknowledged alongside cricketing legends and role models who have previously received this award made the honor even more significant.

He stated, “It’s truly a great honor to be recognized among cricketers, among the legends and idols that have won this award before me. Every time I step onto the field to represent my country in a sport I’ve dedicated my life to, it’s an immense honor to be recognized by the BCCI.”

Reflecting on India's journey over the past year, Gill highlighted the team's determination during the England series, where they managed to draw after a challenging start.

He remarked, “It’s been an incredible journey. Coming back to draw the series against England after the first Test match, and performing well in the West Indies and the Asia Cup has made this year truly remarkable.”

Looking forward, Gill stressed the significance of the upcoming Test matches, as India prepares to face Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia in pivotal series that could influence their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Currently, the team stands sixth with four wins and a draw from nine matches.

He added, “We have some crucial Test series ahead. I hope we can win most of our matches and secure a spot in the finals.”

Gill credited the collective efforts of the coaching staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and the entire coaching team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), for transforming India into one of the most fearless teams in cricket.

He noted, “It’s the hard work of everyone—whether it’s Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, or fielding coach—that has shaped this group. That’s why we are recognized as one of the most fearless teams globally, and we are often seen as favorites wherever we play.”

The 26-year-old also expressed gratitude towards the current leadership of the BCCI and former secretary Jay Shah for providing top-notch facilities and infrastructure that have significantly aided player development and performance.

Gill stated, “The support from the BCCI, especially from Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been tremendous. Their initiatives to advance our cricket have been immensely beneficial. Even during my injury, the training and facilities played a crucial role in my performance.”

He further downplayed the focus on legacy, emphasizing the need to establish a strong team identity in Test cricket.

Gill explained, “I don’t concentrate much on legacy, but we aspire to be recognized, especially in red-ball cricket, as a team that never gives up easily. We want to instill that character in all players.”

His outstanding performance during India's five-Test series in England was a key factor in receiving the award, as he amassed 754 runs in ten innings at an average of 75.40, including four centuries and a top score of 269. Gill concluded the year as the highest run-scorer in Tests for 2025, with 983 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.21.