Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 13: Indian opener Shafali Verma has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2026 following her impressive performances in India’s title-winning campaigns in the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games. India captain Shubman Gill won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the fifth time, extending his record, after a remarkable run in the One Day International series against the West Indies.

For Shafali, it is the second time she has received the monthly honour. The 22-year-old first won the award in November last year after playing a key role in India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Shafali was India’s highest run-scorer in the Women’s Asia Cup, contributing significantly to the team’s title-winning campaign. Her batting performances and crucial contributions in high-pressure matches during the month helped her secure the recognition.

Gill, meanwhile, won the men’s award ahead of fellow Indian Abhishek Sharma and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

The Indian captain scored 333 runs in the first two ODIs against the West Indies, registering a century in the opening match before producing an unbeaten double century in the second. India won both matches by eight wickets.

The latest recognition marks Gill’s fifth ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. He previously won the honour in January 2023, September 2023, February 2025 and July 2025, making him the men’s player with the most wins in the award’s history.