Shubman Gill Wins ICC Player of the Month Award for September 2023

In an eventful month of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month awards for September 2023. The talented Indian batsman, Shubman Gill, has been crowned the ICC Men's Player of the Month, while Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu has claimed the ICC Women's Player of the Month title. These awards are decided through a combination of fan votes and a panel of experts comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.

Shubman Gill - Rising Star and Consistent Performer

Shubman Gill, a prodigious talent from India, has been making waves in international cricket. September was yet another exceptional month for Gill, as he showcased his versatility and consistency in the limited-overs format. His performances not only contributed to India's success in the Asia Cup but also played a crucial role in their ODI series victory against Australia.

Success in the Asia Cup

Gill's journey towards the Player of the Month award began with the Asia Cup campaign. He started the month with impressive half-centuries against Nepal and Pakistan. However, it was his stunning century against Bangladesh in Colombo that truly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. Gill's elegant strokeplay guided India to victory in the final, as he remained unbeaten to secure the title.

ODI Series Triumph against Australia

Following the conclusion of the Asia Cup, Gill continued his fine form in the ODI series against Australia. He played crucial innings of 74 runs in Mohali and a magnificent 104 in Indore. Gill's ability to score at a brisk pace, with a strike rate of 99.37, proved instrumental in India's series win. His aggregate of 480 runs during the month came at an impressive average of 80.

Gill's Reaction to Winning the Award

Upon receiving the prestigious ICC Men's Player of the Month award for September, Shubman Gill expressed his delight and gratitude. He acknowledged the privilege of representing India at the international level and credited his teammates, family, and coaches for their support.

 

“I am delighted to have won the ICC Player of the Month award for the month of September. 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," Gill said

 

“I managed to make a handy contribution towards the team which had the fortune of winning the Asia Cup 2023 and then, follow it up with an ODI series win against Australia in September. I take this opportunity to thank all my teammates, family and the coaches, without whom this achievement would not have been possible," Gill added

Gill secures his second Player of the Month award for 2023, triumphing over his compatriot Mohammed Siraj and England's Dawid Malan. Both Siraj and Malan showcased exceptional skills in the shorter formats of international cricket leading up to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

Chamari Athapaththu - A Trailblazer for Sri Lankan Cricket

Chamari Athapaththu, the influential Sri Lankan skipper, has been a consistent performer for her team over the years. Her exceptional performances in September reached new heights, earning her the ICC Women's Player of the Month award. Athapaththu played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's historic T20I series win against England on English soil.

Historic Series Victory against England

Despite losing the rain-affected first match, Athapaththu led her team's response in the second fixture in Chelmsford. She showcased her skills with both bat and ball, opening the bowling and restricting England to a modest total of 104. Athapaththu's explosive batting style was on full display as she scored a quickfire 55 to guide Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory.

In the decisive third match, Athapaththu once again rose to the occasion. Her excellent spell of three wickets for 21 runs restricted England to 116. Athapaththu then played a crucial innings of 44 runs to guide her team to a seven-wicket win and secure the series victory. Her exceptional all-round performance played a significant role in Sri Lanka's historic achievement.

Athapaththu's Gratitude and Motivation

Chamari Athapaththu expressed her joy upon receiving the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for September. She acknowledged the collective effort of the team and the support of the fans. Athapaththu believes that the recognition not only belongs to her but also to the entire team. She sees the award as a boost for herself, her teammates, and the young cricketers of Sri Lanka.

Athapaththu stated, "I am extremely happy to be named ICC Women's Player of the Month, a recognition I consider not only owned by me but by our entire team, as without them, I would not have been able to perform to my strengths. This award will definitely be a boost for me, my teammates, and our fans, who have been with the team throughout, giving their fullest support, and also be an encouragement for our young cricketers, thus showing them the path."

The Significance of the ICC Player of the Month Awards

The ICC Player of the Month awards aim to celebrate outstanding individual performances in international cricket. The winners are determined by a combination of fan votes and expert opinions. This unique approach ensures that the winners are recognized not only by the cricket community but also by the fans who follow the game passionately.

The awards also serve as a platform to highlight the achievements of players who may not always be in the spotlight but have made significant contributions to their respective teams. By acknowledging the performances of players from both men's and women's cricket, the ICC promotes gender equality and encourages the growth of the women's game.

Conclusion

Shubman Gill and Chamari Athapaththu have rightfully earned the ICC Player of the Month awards for September 2023. Gill's consistent run-scoring and Gill's all-round brilliance have been pivotal in their team's success. These awards not only recognize the individual achievements of these players but also serve as inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world. The ICC's commitment to honoring exceptional performances in both men's and women's cricket further contributes to the growth and popularity of the sport.