Indian left-handed batters Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana were adjudged the men’s and women’s Players of the month for September 2025, for their stellar showings with the bat.
The former had an outstanding Asia Cup 2025, where he made 314 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 200. Those exploits helped him win the Player of the tournament award at the continental event, where India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final at Dubai.
“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 teammates for their support. I am also thankful to the panel that selected me for this award,” the 25-year-old was quoted as saying by the ICC.
India’s Smriti Mandhana celebrates after scoring fifty against Australia. (AP)
Sharma was up against his India team-mate Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, who also put out excellent performances in September.
Indian women’s team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was adjudged the women’s Player of the month for September. The 29-year-old made two centuries against Australia in New Chandigarh and New Delhi, respectively. The first of those – 117 off 91 balls – helped India reach 292 all out, which proved too good for Australia, who lost by 102 runs.
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The second of those – 125 off 63 balls – set a blazing foundation in India’s mammoth chase of 413 runs at Delhi. The southpaw was at her imperious best in that innings, and her dismissal in the 22nd over proved decisive as the hosts eventually lost by 43 runs.
“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,” Mandhana was quoted as saying by the ICC.
