Dubai: Indian captain Shubman Gill’s monumental double century at Edgbaston will remain a landmark in his career, as he was on Tuesday named the ICC’s ‘Player of the Month’ for July. Gill scored a staggering 754 runs in India’s recently concluded five-Test series against England.
Leading from the front, both as a batter and skipper, Gill produced four centuries to guide a young Indian side—without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—toward a 2-2 series draw against England. He claimed the award ahead of England captain Ben Stokes and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, expressing his desire to maintain his form in the upcoming season.
“It feels incredible to be named ICC Player of the Month for July. This recognition is particularly meaningful as it comes from my performances in my first Test series as captain. The double hundred in Birmingham is something I will cherish forever—it will always be a highlight of my England tour,” Gill said in an ICC media release.
Reflecting on the series, he added, “The Test series against England was a learning experience for me as captain. Both sides produced some memorable performances that players will remember for a long time.” The 25-year-old expressed his gratitude to his teammates and the award jury, saying, “I look forward to continuing my form and bringing more success for the country in the season ahead.”
Gill became the first male cricketer to win the ICC Player of the Month award four times, having scored 567 runs at an average of 94.50 in the three Tests played in July alone. His previous awards came in January 2023, September 2023, and February 2025.
A standout moment was his 430-run aggregate in the second Test at Birmingham, the second-highest total in a Test match. Scores of 269 and 161 helped India level the series 1-1, while his 103 in the second innings of the fourth Test in Manchester secured a draw and kept India in contention.
On the women’s side, England batter Sophia Dunkley was named Player of the Month, edging out teammate Sophie Ecclestone and Ireland captain Gaby Lewis. Dunkley shone across ODIs and T20Is during England’s home series against India, scoring 270 runs in seven matches. Her 92-ball 83 in the first ODI in Southampton and consistent T20I performances made her the standout batter of the period.
