Shubman Gill speaks out after record fifth ICC player of the month award

Dubai: India's star batter Shubman Gill has clinched his fifth consecutive ICC Player of the Month award for September 2026, setting a new record as the most decorated male recipient of the prestigious accolade. The 27-year-old Indian captain edged out fellow Indian Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza to claim the honor after a stellar performance against the West Indies, scoring 333 runs in the first two ODIs.

Gill expressed his delight at winning his fifth ICC Player of the Month award, crediting the ICC panel for recognizing his outstanding contributions. He particularly praised the home crowd's support during their run-chases, which proved crucial in India's victories. In the opening ODI in Thiruvananthapuram, Gill scored an aggressive 110 off just 108 balls, helping India chase down a formidable West Indies total of 295.

Three days later, in Guwahati, he shattered expectations with an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls, chasing down a monumental target of 406 runs. His innings, which included 26 fours and eight sixes, remains the fastest double-century by an Indian captain in ODIs.

Gill's incredible form highlights the rapidly evolving nature of one-day cricket, where adaptability and quick decision-making are paramount. He emphasized the need for players to keep pace with the changing demands of the game. Looking ahead to next year's ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Gill and his team are committed to raising the bar further and building a team capable of handling any challenge thrown their way.

With Sanju Samson's previous win in March 2024 marking the last Indian victory in the men's category, Gill's fifth consecutive win marks an unprecedented milestone in the award's history.