Indian top-order batsman Shubman Gill has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for February, thanks to his outstanding performance in the ODI series against England last month. He is nominated alongside Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips.
Gill, currently in Dubai with the Indian team for the Champions Trophy, was in excellent form in February. In five ODIs, he scored 406 runs with an average of 101.50 and a strike rate of 94.19. Notably, he shone in the three-match series against England, scoring 87, 60, and 112. He was named ‘Player of the Series’ as India won the series 3-0.
Gill continued his form into the Champions Trophy, scoring an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh and 46 against Pakistan, helping India reach the semifinals.
Australian captain Steve Smith also had a strong February, particularly in the Test series against Sri Lanka. He scored 141 and 131 in two matches, with a strike rate of 136.00, and was named ‘Player of the Series’. In the ODI series, he scored 12 and 29.
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips scored 236 runs in five ODIs at a strike rate of 124.21. His three unbeaten innings helped New Zealand win a tri-series in Pakistan, which also included South Africa. His scores included 106 against Pakistan, 28 against South Africa, and 20 against Pakistan in the final.
Phillips also performed well in the Champions Trophy, starting with 61 against Pakistan and an unbeaten 21 against Bangladesh.
