Abhishek Sharma, Smriti Mandhana named ICC Players of the Month for September

Indian cricket stars Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana were named ICC Player of the Month for September following stellar performances in the Asia Cup and the women’s ODI series against Australia.

Abhishek Sharma, a 25-year-old opener, scored 314 runs in seven matches at an average of 44.85 and a remarkable strike rate of 200. The right-hander, who was also named Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup, achieved the highest-ever rating points in the T20I batting rankings. He emerged ahead of teammates Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett.

"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," Abhishek said.

On the women’s side, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was outstanding in the home ODI series against Australia. She scored 58, 117, and 125 in the three matches, amassing 308 runs in four ODIs at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68. During the series, Mandhana struck the fastest century by an Indian batter, reaching triple figures in just 50 deliveries in the third match.

"A recognition like this pushes me to keep growing and evolving as a player. My aim has always been to deliver my best and win matches for the team," Mandhana said.

Mandhana beat South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and Pakistan’s Sidra Amin to the award. Her form comes amid India’s ongoing campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

With inputs from PTI