Shubman Gill, Ben Stokes, and Wiaan Mulder have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.
After a sensational Test series in England, where he was named Player of the Series, India’s captain Shubman Gill now stands on the verge of another major recognition. He has been included in the shortlist for the ICC Player of the Month for July. Competing alongside him are England captain Ben Stokes and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.
The ICC unveiled the list of shortlisted male and female players for the July awards on Wednesday. Although Mulder isn’t South Africa’s regular captain, he led the team in the match that earned him a place on the shortlist.
In the women’s category, the three contenders are England’s Sophie Dunkley and Sophie Ecclestone, along with Ireland’s Gaby Lewis.
Shubman Gill
Gill had a dream series in England, amassing a total of 754 runs in the five-match Test series. In July alone, he played three Tests and scored 567 runs at an average of 94.50.
In the second Test at Edgbaston, he delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 269 runs in the first innings and 131 in the second — totaling 430 runs in the match. His heroics helped India level the series 1-1. He followed that up with a gritty 103 in the next match at Old Trafford, helping India secure a draw.
Ben Stokes
Stokes showcased his all-round brilliance during the three Tests against India in July. He scored 251 runs at an average of 50.20 and claimed 12 wickets at 26.33.
He was named Player of the Match in both the third and fourth Tests. In the Manchester Test, Stokes became the first English captain to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same match — scoring 141 runs and picking up 5 wickets for 72 runs.
Wiaan Mulder
Despite playing only one match in July, Mulder’s outstanding performance earned him a place in the shortlist. In the second Test against Zimbabwe, he stepped up as captain after both regular skipper Temba Bavuma and stand-in Keshav Maharaj were sidelined with injuries.
Leading the side for the first time, Mulder produced a historic innings — smashing 367 not out with 49 fours and 4 sixes, setting the record for the highest individual score by a South African in Tests. He also took three wickets across both innings, earning the Player of the Match award as South Africa won by an innings and 236 runs. He had also scored a century and taken 4 wickets in the first Test, making him the Player of the Series.
Sophie Dunkley
Dunkley played in all seven matches during England’s home series against India last month. She scored 144 runs in four T20Is at a strike rate of 134.57 and followed it up with 126 runs in three ODIs — a strong showing from the top-order batter.
Sophie Ecclestone
The world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, Ecclestone had a productive series against India. She picked up five wickets in the three-match ODI series, emerging as England’s most successful bowler. She also took four wickets in the four T20Is, though England lost both series.
Gaby Lewis
Ireland’s Gaby Lewis played a vital role in her team’s clean sweep against Zimbabwe in both T20 and ODI series at home. She scored 154 runs in three T20Is at a blistering strike rate of 155.55, earning the Player of the Series award. In two ODIs, she added another 95 runs at a strike rate of 79.16.
