Shubman Gill named ICC Men's Player of the Month for January

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the ICC Player of the Month awards for January 2023, with Indian opener Shubman Gill winning the ICC Men's Player of the Month award. Gill enjoyed a record month in white-ball cricket in January and was deservedly named the ICC Player of the Month for January. The free-scoring batter was a prolific source of runs throughout the month, especially in the ODI format, scoring against both Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

With 567 runs during January, which included more than three century scores, the 23-year-old batsman dazzled fans with a lethal combination of graceful and attacking strokeplay. In a month that featured several highlights for Gill, his standout performance came in the form of a stunning double hundred against New Zealand in the series opener in Hyderabad. His unbeaten 208 came in just 149 balls with 28 boundaries - a surprising performance not only because he became the youngest double-hundred in the ODI format, but also because everyone around him seemed to hesitate on a difficult pitch for the batsmen. Between those innings were two more centuries - 116 in a dominant win over Sri Lanka and 112 in the ODI final against New Zealand.

Gill saw off a competitive field to win the award, beating New Zealand opener Devon Conway and compatriot Mohammed Siraj in the global vote. This makes him India's first winner since Virat Kohli in October 2022. Commenting on his brilliant month and the ICC Men's Player of the Month award, Gill said: "I am delighted to be named the ICC Men's Player of the Month. by the ICC panel and global cricket fans. January was a special month for me and winning this award makes it all the more memorable. I owe this success to my teammates and coaches who continue to support me as a player, and I would also like to congratulate my fellow nominees for their outstanding performances."

England's Grace Scrivens has become the youngest recipient of the ICC Women's Player of the Month award after playing in the first-ever ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup. A dominant figure with bat and ball throughout the tournament and her all-round performances earned her the player of the tournament award. Likewise, the England captain excelled in her leadership role, leading her team to the inaugural final.