Shubman Gill Wins Player of the Month, Creates ICC History by setting new record

Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has created history once again, adding another prestigious achievement to his growing list of accomplishments. The stylish right-handed batter has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for September 2026, becoming the first male cricketer to win the award five times.

Gill earned the honour after delivering a sensational performance against the West Indies in the ODI series, producing a remarkable combination of consistency, attacking stroke play and record-breaking batting. His latest achievement further strengthens his reputation as one of the most influential batters in modern international cricket.

Shubman Gill Becomes the First Male Player to Win Five ICC Monthly Awards

The September award marks a significant milestone in Gill’s international career. He previously won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award in January 2023, September 2023, February 2025 and July 2025. His latest victory takes his total to five, extending his record as the men's category's most successful recipient.

What makes this achievement particularly impressive is the quality of performances behind each award. Gill has demonstrated his ability to excel in different formats and conditions, from scoring heavily in Test cricket to controlling ODI run chases under pressure.

His latest recognition also places him alongside West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who has won the women's version of the award five times. Gill, however, now stands alone as the record-holder in the men's category.

Record-Breaking Performances Against West Indies

Gill's extraordinary September campaign began in the opening ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. He scored a commanding 110 runs from 108 deliveries, helping India chase down a target of 296 with eight wickets remaining.

Rather than slowing down after his century, Gill raised his game even further in the second ODI in Guwahati. With West Indies posting a massive 405 for seven, India faced a challenging target of 406 runs. Gill responded with an unbeaten 223 from just 133 balls, guiding India to one of the most remarkable successful chases in ODI history.

His innings featured 26 fours and eight sixes, combining calculated aggression with outstanding control. Gill reached his century in just 62 deliveries, setting a record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian captain. He then completed his double century in 117 balls, the fastest ODI double-century recorded to date.

India eventually reached 406 for two in 43.3 overs, winning by eight wickets with 39 balls remaining. Gill's unbeaten 223 also became the highest individual score in a successful ODI run chase.

Gill and Rohit Sharma Power Historic Run Chase

Another major highlight of Gill's remarkable knock was his partnership with veteran Indian batter Rohit Sharma. The pair combined for 255 runs for the opening wicket, recording India's highest opening partnership on home soil in men's ODIs.

The partnership proved decisive in India's pursuit of the enormous target. While Rohit contributed a blistering 101 from 75 deliveries, Gill anchored the innings with a double century that left the West Indies bowling attack struggling to find answers.

India's successful chase became the second-highest in ODI history, behind South Africa's famous pursuit of 434 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006.

Tough Competition for the ICC Award

Gill faced strong competition for the September honour, with Indian teammate Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza also shortlisted.

Abhishek impressed with his explosive performances in T20 internationals, while Raza delivered valuable contributions with both bat and ball. However, Gill's exceptional run-scoring exploits against the West Indies proved decisive in securing the award.

The recognition reflects not only the number of runs he scored but also the circumstances in which he scored them, particularly his match-winning contribution in a demanding ODI chase.

What Shubman Gill Said After Winning the Award

Reacting to his fifth ICC Player of the Month award, Gill expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the satisfaction of contributing to successful run chases in front of Indian supporters.

He also stressed the importance of adapting to the evolving demands of ODI cricket, where batters must assess conditions quickly and make decisions under pressure.

With the next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup approaching in 2027, Gill indicated that India remain focused on raising their standards and building a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.

A New Chapter in Gill's Growing Legacy

Gill's latest achievement represents more than another individual award. It reflects the consistency and ambition required to remain among international cricket's leading performers.

India's 2–1 series victory over the West Indies provided the team with a positive result, while Gill's record-breaking innings offered a memorable individual highlight. 

With his latest ICC recognition, Gill has established another benchmark for future generations. The challenge now will be to build on this achievement, maintain his remarkable form and translate individual excellence into further success for India.