Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana have won the ICC Player of the Month awards for men and women, respectively, following impressive performances that enabled them push out other strong competitors in September.
Abhishek’s outstanding performance in the Asia Cup T20I tournament was praised by both fans and critics, and it was reflected in the Player of the Month award.
The flamboyant batter scored 314 runs in seven matches over the span, with an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200.
The 25-year-old was named Player of the Tournament and scored the most rating points in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings throughout the Asia Cup, reaching 931 at the conclusion of the Super Fours round. He won ahead of teammate Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett.
Abhishek Sharma said:
“It feels great to win this ICC award and I am happy that it has come for some important matches that I could help win.
“I am proud to be part of a team that can pull off victories from the most difficult of situations. Our recent track record in T20Is reflects our outstanding team culture and positive mindset.
“I thank the team management for their guidance and to all my team-mates for their support. I am also thankful to the panel that selected me for this award.”
Smriti Mandhana, a left-handed opener like Abhishek, was outstanding in a home ODI series against Australia, scoring 58, 117 and 125 in the three matches. The India vice-captain scored 308 runs in four ODIs during the period at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68.
Mandhana, who is in the midst of India’s campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, struck the fastest century by an India batter during the Australia series when she reached the three-figure mark off just 50 deliveries in the third match. South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and Pakistan’s Sidra Amin were the others in the running for the award.
Smriti Mandhana said:
“I am truly honoured to receive the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2025. A recognition like this pushes me to keep growing and evolving as a player. The recognition also reflects the support, trust, and effort we put in together collectively as a team.
“My aim has always been to deliver my best and win matches for the team. I am looking forward to making the most out of the opportunities that result in memorable victories for India in the matches ahead.”
India
