Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana have been named ICC men’s and women’s Players of the Month for September 2025, respectively, after a series of stellar performances that underlined India’s dominance across formats.
Abhishek’s audacious batting and consistency throughout the T20 Asia Cup earned him the men’s honour, while Mandhana’s blistering form in the ODI series against Australia ahead of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup sealed her the women’s accolade.
The Punjab youngster’s explosive run at the men’s Asia Cup saw him amass 314 runs in seven T20Is, the highest in the tournament, at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200. He notched three half-centuries, including crucial knocks of 75 against Pakistan and 74 against Bangladesh, and played a composed yet commanding innings in the semi-final win over Sri Lanka that propelled India into the final.
“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,” said Abhishek.
“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.
“I thank the team management for their guidance and all my teammates for their support. I am also thankful to the panel that selected me for this award,” he added.
Abhishek’s Asia Cup heroics also took him to a career-high 931 rating points in the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings, the highest ever, surpassing Englishman Dawid Malan’s previous best of 919 in 2020. His Player of the Tournament award at the Asia Cup capped off a remarkable month for the 25-year-old, who continues to emerge as one of India’s most dynamic white-ball players.
Mandhana pips Pakistan’s Sidra Amin and South Africa’s Tazmin Brits
India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, meanwhile, was rewarded for her exceptional form with the bat in the lead-up to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The left-hander piled up 308 runs in four ODI outings during September, averaging 77 with a strike rate of 135.68. Her tally included two centuries in the three-match series against Australia, where she was named Player of the Series.
“I am truly honoured to receive the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2025. A recognition like this pushes me to keep growing and evolving as a player. The recognition also reflects the support, trust, and effort we put in together collectively as a team,” said Mandhana.
“My aim has always been to deliver my best and win matches for the team. I am looking forward to making the most out of the opportunities that result in memorable victories for India in the matches ahead.”
Her standout performance came in the series decider against Australia, where she blasted a 50-ball century, the second-fastest in women’s ODI history. The milestone also lifted her to joint-second on the all-time list for most centuries in the format (13), behind Australia’s Meg Lanning.