India captain Shubman Gill has become the first player to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award five times. The International Cricket Council announced him as the September 2026 winner on Tuesday, 13 October, following his performances in India's ODI series against the West Indies. Gill scored 110 in the opening match before producing an unbeaten 223 in the second, finishing with 333 runs across the two innings. His performances helped India secure the series and added another milestone to his international career.

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Shubman Gill's record-breaking innings in Guwahati

The standout performance came in Guwahati on 30 September. West Indies scored 405 for seven, setting India a target of 406. Gill responded with 223 not out from 133 balls, hitting 26 fours and eight sixes as India completed the chase with eight wickets in hand. Shubman Gill reached his century from 62 deliveries, setting a record for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian captain. He then completed his double-century from 117 balls, making it the fastest double-century in men's ODI cricket.

His unbeaten score also became the highest individual innings in a successful ODI chase. Rohit Sharma played a key supporting role, scoring 101 from 75 balls. Their opening partnership of 255 runs became India's highest partnership on home soil, putting the chase firmly under the hosts' control.

Shubman Gill: A century helped India take the series lead

Shubman Gill had already made his mark in the opening ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September. Chasing West Indies' 295 for seven, he scored 110 from 108 balls. India reached 296 in 41.4 overs, winning by eight wickets and taking a 1-0 lead. The result in Guwahati gave India a 2-0 advantage in the three-match series. West Indies won the final ODI on 3 October, but India still claimed the series 2-1. Gill's contributions in the first two matches proved central to the team's success.

ICC Player award adds to Shubman Gill's record

The September honour is Shubman Gill's fifth ICC Player of the Month award. His previous wins came in January and September 2023, February 2025 and July 2025. He finished ahead of fellow nominees Abhishek Sharma and Sikandar Raza. Abhishek scored heavily in T20 internationals during September, including a century against Afghanistan, while Zimbabwe's Raza contributed runs and wickets in ODIs against Australia. Gill's performances in the West Indies series ultimately earned him the recognition.

Speaking about the award, Shubman Gill said he was grateful to the selection panel. He also highlighted the satisfaction of completing successful run chases in front of home supporters.

Shubman Gill looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup

Shubman Gill noted that ODI cricket has become faster, requiring batters to assess conditions quickly and adapt their approach. He also said India are determined to improve as they prepare for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year.

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The latest ICC Player award recognises a month in which Gill combined consistency with a record-setting innings. His 333 runs helped India win the series, while his double-century established a new benchmark in successful ODI chases. India's preparations for the World Cup will continue, but Gill's September performance has already secured its place in the record books.

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