Shubman Gill Beats Steve Smith And Glenn Phillips to Win ICC Player of The Month For February 2025

Shubman Gill on Wednesday (March 13) was crowned the ICC Player of the Month for February 2025 following his fine run with the bat in India's home ODI series against England and the subsequent Champions Trophy 2025 group stage matches.

Gill beat off fellow nominees - Australia's Steve Smith and New Zealand's Glenn Phillips to add the ICC men's player of the month award for the third time in his career, thanks to his remarkable performances in One Day Internationals matches last month.

The Indian opener amassed 406 runs in five ODIs in February at a staggering average of 101.50. His consistent run played a key role in India's 3-0 series win over England. Gill, who scored a scored a couple of half-centuries, capped of the series with a century that earned him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

The batting sensation the carried that form into the Champions Trophy 2025, where he scored a century against Bangladesh in his maiden appearance in the eight-team ICC tournament. Against arch-rivals Pakistan, Gill scored a valuable 45 to help India keep a perfect record.

Reflecting on his stellar month, Gill stated, "I am elated to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February. Nothing gives me more motivation than performing with the bat and winning matches for my country.

"The lead up to the Champions Trophy 2025 was very crucial and I am glad I was able to make the most out of it. It has been a phenomenal start to the year individually as well as for us as a unit. I am looking forward to an action-packed cricketing year ahead and hope to win many more matches for India."

The accolades did not stop there for Gill as his exploits with the bat have cemented his position as the world's top-ranked ODI batter. The youngster has held the spot since his fine run in 2024.

Meanwhile, Australia's Alana King won her first ICC Women's Player of the Month award after seeing off compatriot Annabel Sutherland and Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong to February's prize. King produced a series of destructive bowling displays throughout the Ashes series down under, and concluded with a starring role as the home side won impressively in the lone Test match in Melbourne.