Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Aug 12: India’s Test captain Shubman Gill and England’s top-order batter Sophia Dunkley have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for July, following standout performances in high-profile series.
Gill’s Stellar Debut Series as Test Captain
Shubman Gill clinched the honour after an extraordinary run in his first Test series as India captain, outshining nominees Ben Stokes of England and Wiaan Mulder of South Africa. This marks Gill’s fourth ICC Player of the Month award, having previously won in January and September 2023, and again in February 2025.
The 25-year-old amassed 567 runs at an incredible average of 94.50 across three Tests in July, including two centuries and a memorable double hundred during the tour of England. His double ton in Birmingham stood out as a career-defining innings and was central to India’s competitive showing in the series.
"It feels great to be named the ICC Player of the Month for July,” Gill said. “This time it holds a lot more significance since it has come for my performances during my first Test series as captain. The double ton in Birmingham is obviously something I will cherish forever.”
He credited his teammates and reflected on the tour as a valuable learning experience, expressing hope to carry forward his form into future series.
Dunkley Breaks Through with First ICC Award
On the women’s side, Sophia Dunkley earned her first ICC Player of the Month award, edging out England teammate Sophie Ecclestone and Ireland captain Gaby Lewis.
The 27-year-old played a key role in England’s white-ball series against India, scoring 144 runs at an average of 36 in the T20I leg, including a crucial 75 off 53 balls in a narrow six-run win. She followed up with 126 runs in the ODI series at a strong average of 63, finishing July as one of England’s most reliable performers with the bat.
“I am delighted to win the ICC Player of the Month award off the back of a really hard-fought series against India,” Dunkley said. “We would have loved to win the series, but it was a great contest and one we’ll take a lot from ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup.”
Both players are now heading into the next phase of the international calendar with form and confidence, and their July performances have set the tone for the remainder of the cricketing season.