New Delhi [India], March 7: Australian batting legend Steve Smith, Indian opener Shubman Gill, and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for February 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday. These players were selected based on their impressive performances in various international series, including the Australia tour of Sri Lanka, India’s home white-ball series against England, the tri-nation series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Steve Smith’s Stellar Performance in Sri Lanka:
Steve Smith’s leadership and expertise in Asian conditions stood out during the Test series against Sri Lanka. He scored magnificent centuries of 141 and 131 in two matches, with an impressive strike rate of 136.00. Smith was named Player of the Series for his outstanding contribution. Although his form in the one-day series was modest, with scores of 12 and 29, he played his final international tournament during the ICC Champions Trophy, where he made scores of 5 and 19 not out against England and Afghanistan, respectively.
Shubman Gill’s Consistency and Breakthrough Month:
Shubman Gill had a spectacular February, amassing 406 runs in five ODIs at an average of 101.50 and a strike rate of 94.19. His excellent form included a ‘Player of the Series’ award during India’s three-match ODI series against England, with scores of 87 in Nagpur, 60 in Cuttack, and 112 in Ahmedabad. Gill’s efforts propelled him to the number one spot in the ICC ODI rankings. In the ICC Champions Trophy, he continued his good form, beginning with an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh and contributing a valuable 46 against Pakistan.
Glenn Phillips’ All-Round Contribution:
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips was a key player in February, contributing both with the bat and ball. He scored 236 runs in five ODIs at an explosive strike rate of 124.21 and picked up one wicket. Phillips played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory in the tri-series in Pakistan, with three unbeaten innings—106 against Pakistan in Lahore, 28 against South Africa, and 20 in the final against Pakistan in Karachi. He continued his momentum into the ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 61 against Pakistan and an unbeaten 21 against Bangladesh.
The ICC Men’s Player of the Month award highlights the exceptional performances of these players, with each bringing their unique contributions to the field. The final winner will be announced after the ongoing evaluation process.