Abhishek returned to his destructive best during India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, ending the campaign with 229 runs at an average of 76.33. India batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, along with Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza, have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September, following a month dominated by explosive white-ball performances. Abhishek’s record-breaking T20I displays, Gill’s prolific run in ODIs and Raza’s all-round contributions against Australia have earned the trio nominations for the monthly honour.
India batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, along with Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza, have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September, following a month dominated by explosive white-ball performances.
The left-hander had managed only one half-century in his previous 10 T20 innings before the series but responded emphatically, beginning with an 82 off 32 balls in the opening match in Delhi. Abhishek reached his half-century in just 22 deliveries, striking seven fours and six sixes as India chased down 157 with 38 balls to spare. The innings included 11 sixes, the second-most by an Indian in a T20I innings, while his partnership with Sanju Samson helped India post their highest-ever Powerplay score of 100/0. 2-ranked T20I batter. He brought up his century from 62 balls and reached his double century in only 117 deliveries. His 223 not out became the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase. 2-ranked ODI all-rounder played a key role in the opening game, rescuing Zimbabwe after they slipped to four wickets down in their chase. He scored 57 and shared a 98-run partnership with Craig Ervine. Raza added 45 from 45 balls in the second ODI before producing another important contribution in the series finale. Coming to the crease in the 29th over with Zimbabwe losing wickets, Raza remained unbeaten on 81 from 72 deliveries to help his side post 271/8.
He was named Player of the Match. Another Player of the Match award followed, with Abhishek also claiming the Player of the Series prize as he strengthened his position as the No. The performance also made Gill the fastest Indian captain to score an ODI century, adding another landmark to a month in which he scored a century in one match and an unbeaten double-century in the next. Raza’s nomination comes after a series of influential performances against Australia, despite Zimbabwe losing the three-match ODI series. The No. He also chipped in with the ball, dismissing Oliver Peake and Josh Inglis, who had scored a century.
