Shubman Gill Smashes Records to Claim Fifth ICC Player of the Month Award
Shubman Gill makes history by winning his fifth ICC Player of the Month award following a sensational ODI performance against West Indies.
Indian captain Shubman Gill has once again etched his name into the history books, securing his record-extending fifth ICC Player of the Month award for September 2026. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the prestigious honour on Tuesday, confirming that Gill emerged victorious over fellow nominees Abhishek Sharma of India and Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza.
A Month of Absolute Dominance
Gill's recognition comes on the back of a breathtaking series against the West Indies, where his batting prowess was on full display. During the first two One Day Internationals (ODIs) of the series, the Indian skipper amassed a staggering 333 runs, leading his side to two massive eight-wicket victories.
The onslaught began in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. Chasing a target of 296, Gill anchored the innings with a composed 110 off 108 balls, ensuring India reached the target comfortably in 41.4 overs.
Breaking ODI History in Guwahati
However, it was the second ODI in Guwahati that truly cemented his legendary status. After the West Indies posted a massive 405/7—their highest ODI total exceeding 400—Gill responded with an innings for the ages. Captaining the side, he smashed an unbeaten 223 runs off just 133 balls.
His whirlwind knock included 26 boundaries and eight sixes, propelling India to 406/2 in just 43.3 overs. The performance set several monumental milestones:
- Fastest ODI Century by an Indian Captain: Reached his hundred in just 62 balls.
- Fastest ODI Double Century: Reached the milestone in 117 balls, the quickest in the history of the format.
- Highest Successful Chase: His score remains the highest individual tally in a successful ODI run chase.
The match also saw a historic opening partnership, as Gill and Rohit Sharma (101 off 75 balls) added 255 runs, marking India's highest opening stand on home soil. This chase stood as the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.
Setting New Records
With this latest accolade, Gill becomes the men's player with the most ICC Player of the Month awards, having previously won in January 2023, September 2023, February 2025, and July 2025. He joins a distinguished list of Indian winners; the most recent Indian men's recipient prior to him was Sanju Samson in March 2026. In total, Indian men have now claimed this award 17 times across 11 different players.
Gill on the Evolution of the Game
Reflecting on his achievement, Gill expressed his gratitude to the ICC and the fans. “It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award, and I am grateful to the panel for this honour," he said. "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."
Looking ahead to the future, the captain highlighted the necessity of tactical flexibility in the modern era. “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," Gill noted.
With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup scheduled for southern Africa next year, Gill remains focused on the ultimate prize. “We are determined to keep raising our standards and build a strong, well-rounded team capable of rising to the challenges ahead," he concluded.