India’s star batsman Shubman Gill has been recognised as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2025. Gill’s impressive performance in February helped him outshine Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips. This will be the third time in his career he is securing the prestigious accolade.
The 25-year-old scored an impressive 406 runs in just five One Day Internationals (ODIs), at an extraordinary average of 101.50 and a strike rate of 94.19.
Amazing Display Against England
Gill’s excellent form was clear during India’s home ODI series against England, where he played a key role in India’s 3-0 series win. He showed consistency and elegance, scoring three consecutive half-centuries: a fluent 87 in Nagpur, a composed 60 in Cuttack, and a commanding 112 off just 102 balls in Ahmedabad, including 14 boundaries and three sixes. This century secured India’s decisive victory and earned Gill both Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
Reflecting on his strong performances, Gill expressed gratitude to fans and teammates, stating: “It’s always special to contribute to the team’s success and to be recognised for it. My focus has always been on playing positively and making every opportunity count.” His ability to handle pressure calmly has made him an essential player for the Indian cricket team.
Success at ICC Champions Trophy
Gill maintained his excellent form at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In his first appearance at the tournament, he scored an unbeaten century (101*) against Bangladesh in India’s opening match in Dubai, guiding India successfully through their chase with composure and precision.
In the next high-pressure match against Pakistan, Gill again showed resilience with a determined innings of 46 runs, helping India remain unbeaten during the group stage. His consistent performances contributed significantly to India’s eventual victory in the Champions Trophy, further enhancing his reputation as a reliable performer in important matches.
Rise to Cricketing Stardom
Shubman Gill’s rise as one of cricket’s leading batsmen has been exceptional. Since his international debut, he has consistently performed well across formats. His latest recognition highlights his rapid ascent in international cricket. Notably, this is Gill’s third ICC Player of the Month award; he previously received this honour twice in 2023—in January and again in September.
His outstanding form throughout February also reinforced his position as the world’s top-ranked ODI batsman. Gill’s consistency has drawn praise from cricket legends and experts worldwide, including teammate and captain Rohit Sharma, who himself rose two positions to third place in ICC ODI rankings after strong performances during the Champions Trophy final.
