Dubai, October 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, along with Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza, have been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September following a string of impressive white-ball performances.
Abhishek made a strong return to form during India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scoring 229 runs at an average of 76.33. He began the series with an explosive 82 off 32 balls in Delhi, reaching his half-century from just 22 deliveries as India chased down 157 with 38 balls to spare.
After scoring 39 off 19 balls in the second T20I, Abhishek produced a record-setting 108 off 45 balls in the series finale. He reached his century in 30 deliveries, registering the fastest T20I hundred by a batter from a Full Member nation. His innings included 11 sixes and came at a strike rate of 317.64.
The knock also helped India record their highest-ever Powerplay score of 100/0, while Abhishek collected two Player of the Match awards and the Player of the Series honour.
Gill, meanwhile, enjoyed a prolific month in ODIs as India captain and the No. 1-ranked batter in the format. He scored 110 off 108 balls against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram before producing an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls in Guwahati during India’s successful chase of 406.
Gill’s 223 not out, which included 26 fours and eight sixes, became the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase. He reached his century in 62 balls and completed his double-century in 117 deliveries, adding another landmark to his September campaign.
Raza earned his nomination after a series of influential displays against Australia. Despite Zimbabwe losing the three-match ODI series, the all-rounder made valuable contributions with the bat.
He scored 57 in the opening ODI and shared a 98-run partnership with Craig Ervine before making 45 in the second match. In the series finale, Raza remained unbeaten on 81 off 72 balls to help Zimbabwe post 271/8 after coming to the crease in the 29th over.
Raza also contributed with the ball, dismissing Oliver Peake and Josh Inglis, who had scored a century. His performances highlighted his value to Zimbabwe as both a middle-order batter and a bowling option.
The ICC Player of the Month nominees have been selected on the basis of their performances during September.
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