Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Sikandar Raza Nominated for ICC Player of the Month

Exciting Nominations for ICC Men’s Player of the Month

Dubai, Oct 6: Indian cricketers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, along with Zimbabwe's all-rounder Sikandar Raza, have been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September, showcasing remarkable performances in white-ball cricket.

Abhishek's explosive T20I displays, Gill's consistent ODI performances, and Raza's all-round contributions against Australia have earned them this recognition. Abhishek showcased his prowess during India's T20I series against Afghanistan, amassing 229 runs with an impressive average of 76.33.

After struggling with form, Abhishek made a stunning comeback, starting with a blistering 82 off just 32 balls in the first match in Delhi. He reached his half-century in a mere 22 balls, hitting seven fours and six sixes, leading India to chase down 157 runs with 38 balls remaining. His performance earned him the Player of the Match title.

In the second T20I, he scored 39 off 19 balls, but it was in the third match where he truly shone, scoring 108 runs off only 45 balls. He achieved his century in just 30 deliveries, marking the fastest T20I century by a player from a Full Member nation. His innings included 11 sixes, the second-highest by an Indian in T20I history, and he was awarded Player of the Match again, also securing the Player of the Series accolade, solidifying his position as the No. 2-ranked T20I batter.

Gill's September was marked by consistency and a record-setting ODI performance as India's captain and the top-ranked ODI batter. He began the month with a century against the West Indies, scoring 110 runs from 108 balls, which was crucial in India's successful chase of 296 runs.

Later, he delivered one of the most remarkable ODI innings of the year in Guwahati, scoring an unbeaten 223 runs off 133 balls while chasing 406. This achievement marked the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, with Gill's score being the highest ever in a successful chase. He reached his century in just 62 balls and his double century in 117 deliveries, making him the fastest Indian captain to score an ODI century.

Raza's nomination follows his impactful performances against Australia, despite Zimbabwe's loss in the ODI series. As the No. 2-ranked ODI all-rounder, he played a pivotal role in the first match, scoring 57 runs and forming a 98-run partnership with Craig Ervine after Zimbabwe faced early setbacks.

In the second ODI, he contributed 45 runs, and in the final match, he remained unbeaten on 81 runs from 72 balls, helping Zimbabwe post a total of 271/8. Raza also made contributions with the ball, taking two crucial wickets, highlighting his significance as both a middle-order batter and a bowling option for Zimbabwe.