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

Shubman Gill of India, who smashed a magnificent double century against New Zealand last month, has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for January 2023, beating out Devon Conway of New Zealand and compatriot Mohammed Siraj.

Gill has won the ICC Player of the Month award for the first time after another outstanding run of ODI performances.

Gill was the top candidate on the shortlist. The 23-year-old batter was expected to win the award after scoring 567 runs in January, including three hundred-plus runs.

Gill had wowed fans in January with a lethal mix of graceful and aggressive strokeplay.

Gill had several highlights during a month in which India played a lot of white-ball matches. His standout performance came in the form of a stunning double-hundred in the series opener against New Zealand in Hyderabad.

Gill's unbeaten 208 came in 149 balls with 28 boundaries, a remarkable feat not only because it made him the youngest double-centurion in ODI history, but also because everyone else seemed to falter on a difficult pitch for batters.

Aside from the magnificent double century, Gill also hit two more centuries, 116 in a convincing win over Sri Lanka and 112 in the final ODI against New Zealand.

Gill won the award after beating out New Zealand opener Devon Conway and compatriot Mohammed Siraj in the global vote. In doing so, he becomes the first Indian winner since Virat Kohli in October 2022, according to an announcement made by the ICC on Monday.

"I am thrilled to have been voted the ICC Men's Player of the Month by the ICC panel and global cricket fans," Gill said of his outstanding month and the ICC Men's Player of the Month award. January was a memorable month for me, and receiving this award makes it even more so. I owe this success to my teammates and coaches, who have always been supportive of me as a player, and I'd like to congratulate my fellow nominees on their outstanding performances as well.

"It's always heartening to be recognised for your performances, and I'll take great confidence from these innings, especially as we head into an extremely important period before an ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on home soil," Gill was quoted by the ICC as saying.

"The month gone by was seemingly a re-announcement of Shubman Gill's talent," said former Zimbabwe international and voting panel member Pommie Mbangwa. His languid elegance and beautiful style have been evident since his under-19 days and continue to this day.

"Gill's double century against New Zealand puts him in an elite club and may signal the take-off of his career proper. He's had a prolific month of cricket with the bat in hand and it has been a sight to behold," Mbangwa added.