It is a matter of double happiness for Team India that star openers Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana have won the ICC Player of the Month award for September 2025.
Abhishek Sharma defeated fellow teammate Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwean player Brian Bennett to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September 2025. Smriti Mandhana, on the other hand, defeated Pakistani Sidra Amin and South African Tazmin Britts to clinch the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2025.
Smriti Mandhana and Abhishek Sharma dominated in September
Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma showed the world that he can dominate on the big stage with his extraordinary performance for India in the Asia Cup 2025.
Abhishek set the stage on fire at the Asia Cup 2025 and his performance helped India win the tournament. The left-handed batsman started his dominance right from the first game as he scored a quickfire 30 against UAE and in the second game against Pakistan, he scored 31 runs while finishing the group stage with 38 runs against Oman.
The world No. 1 T20I batsman improved his game in the Super Four round of Asia Cup 2025 and scored brilliant 74, 75 and 61 to take India to the final. Overall, he scored 314 runs at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200.00.
Talking about another left-handed batsman, Smriti Mandhana was in top form in the lead up to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in September. His best performance was seen in the three-match series against the Australian team, where he scored two centuries to earn the Player of the Series award.
Overall, in four ODIs in September 2025, Smriti Mandhana scored 308 runs at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68.
It feels great to win this ICC award – Abhishek Sharma
In an official statement released by the ICC, Abhishek Sharma expressed his happiness on receiving the ICC award and thanked the team management for providing him good support.
“It feels great to win this ICC award and I’m glad it’s come down to some important matches that I can help win,” he said.
“I am proud to be part of a team that can achieve victory even in the toughest conditions. Our recent track record in T20Is reflects our excellent team culture and positive mindset.
“I thank the team management for their guidance and all my teammates for their support. I am also grateful to the panel that selected me for this award.”
I feel really honored- Smriti Mandhana
Meanwhile, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said she was honored to receive the ICC award and added that it serves as an inspiration for her. He said:
“I am truly honored to be awarded the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2025. Such recognition motivates me to grow and develop as a player. This recognition also reflects the support, belief and effort we have collectively put in as a team.
“My aim has always been to give my best and win matches for the team. I am looking forward to making the most of the opportunities which will result in memorable wins for India in the upcoming matches.”
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