India’s Rising Star Abhishek Sharma has been officially named the ICC Player of the Month for September after his spectacular performances in the T20 Asia Cup. The left-handed batter showcased outstanding skills as an opener, scoring consistently across six out of seven matches for India. His remarkable tally of 314 runs earned him the Player of the Tournament award as well, cementing his place among the top T20 batsmen globally.
In women’s cricket, India’s left-handed star Smriti Mandhana claimed the ICC Player of the Month title for her brilliant ODI performances, surpassing competitors such as Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen and South Africa’s Tazmin Brits.
Abhishek Sharma Surpasses Strong Contenders
In the ICC monthly awards race, Abhishek Sharma outshined India’s talented chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe’s opening batter Bryan Bennett. Kuldeep had impressed with 17 wickets in the Asia Cup, while Bennett made a memorable century in the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Despite stiff competition, Sharma’s consistency and impactful innings proved decisive in his selection.
After receiving the award, Abhishek Sharma expressed his gratitude:
“It feels great to win this award. Performing well in crucial matches and contributing to the team’s success is always satisfying. I am proud to be part of a team capable of winning in any situation. Our record in T20s reflects a positive team mentality, and I thank the team management for their support.”
Stellar Asia Cup Performance
During the 2025 Asia Cup, defending champions India played seven matches. Abhishek Sharma made significant contributions, scoring 30+ runs in six matches, including three half-centuries. His standout performances came in the Super-4 stage, where he scored 74 against Pakistan and 75 against Bangladesh.
Sharma not only topped the run charts but also hit the most boundaries in the tournament. His strike rate stood at a phenomenal 200, demonstrating his aggressive yet consistent approach at the crease.
Abhishek Sharma: Number 1 T20 Batsman
The ICC T20 batsmen rankings now list Abhishek Sharma at number 1, achieving 931 points, the highest in T20 ranking history. This remarkable milestone was reached mainly due to his exceptional performance in the Asia Cup. Previously, England’s David Malan held the record with 919 points in 2020.
Among Indian cricketers, only Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli have achieved over 900 rating points, highlighting Sharma’s rapid ascent in T20 cricket.
Impressive T20I Record
Abhishek Sharma has accumulated 849 runs in T20 internationals at a staggering strike rate of 196.07. In just 24 matches, he has scored five fifties and two centuries, marking him as one of the most formidable T20I batters.
He made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2024 and is known for his explosive starts, often partnering with Australia’s Travis Head during his IPL stint for the 2016 champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Upcoming Australia T20 Series
Currently representing his domestic team, Punjab, in the Ranji Trophy, Abhishek Sharma has also been selected for India’s T20 squad touring Australia. The series will kick off on October 29 at Manuka Oval, Canberra, and will conclude on November 8 at The Gabba, Brisbane. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating Sharma’s aggressive batting in the upcoming matches, expecting him to continue his phenomenal form.
Smriti Mandhana Shines in Women’s Cricket
In the women’s category, Smriti Mandhana has been named ICC Player of the Month for September. She played four ODIs during the month, scoring a total of 308 runs at an average of 77. Her remarkable performances included two centuries and a fifty against Australia, with her fastest century coming off just 50 balls.
Mandhana’s achievement is notable as she surpassed Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen and South Africa’s Tazmin Brits to claim this prestigious award. She also earned the Player of the Series title for her stellar showing against Australia.
With this record, Mandhana became the first female player in September to hit 13 ODI centuries, positioning her just behind Australia’s Meg Lanning, who holds 15 ODI centuries.
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Impact of the Awards on Indian Cricket
The ICC Player of the Month awards highlight the incredible talent emerging from Indian cricket. Abhishek Sharma has firmly established himself as a key figure in India’s T20 setup, providing explosive starts and consistent performances that elevate the team. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana continues to dominate women’s cricket, inspiring young cricketers with her aggressive yet calculated batting style.
Both players’ achievements demonstrate India’s growing strength in international cricket and set high expectations for upcoming tournaments, including the T20 series in Australia and future ICC events.
Conclusion
September 2025 has been a landmark month for Indian cricket. Abhishek Sharma’s rise to the number 1 T20 batsman and his recognition as ICC Player of the Month underscores his talent, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. Smriti Mandhana’s dominance in women’s cricket adds another feather in India’s cap, showcasing the depth of talent in the country’s cricketing landscape.
With upcoming series in Australia and ongoing domestic performances, fans can expect both Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana to continue making headlines and setting new records for India. Their achievements not only bring individual glory but also strengthen India’s position in global cricket rankings.
