ICC Player of the Month (February): Here are the contenders
What's the story
Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for February. Meanwhile, he competes against Australia's Steve Smith and New Zealand's Glenn Phillips. However, Gill's stellar form in the ongoing Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England makes him a strong contender for the prestigious honor. Here's more.
Performance
Gill's impressive run in recent matches
In his previous seven ODI matches, Gill has scored a whopping 416 runs. His recent outings include a stellar century against Bangladesh in India's tournament opener. This not only cemented his place as a key player in India's batting lineup but also made him a reliable opening partner for captain Rohit Sharma.
Smith's role
Smith's contribution and retirement announcement
Smith, who took Australia to the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final as interim captain, is also in the running for the award. He was instrumental in the tournament and also scored a crucial 73-run knock against India in the semi-final. But despite his efforts, he couldn't take his team to victory and later announced his retirement from ODI cricket.
Phillips's nomination
Phillips shines with sensational fielding efforts
New Zealand's Phillips is the third nominee for the ICC Player of the Month award. His nomination comes after a series of outstanding performances for the Black Caps, with his exceptional fielding even outshining Virat Kohli. Phillips kicked off his campaign with a stunning century against Pakistan in their ODI tri-series opener, strengthening his case for the honor.
Gill
A look at Gill's recent stellar performance
As mentioned, the Indian vice-captain has amassed 416 runs in his last seven ODIs. He also averages 69.33 and boasts a strike rate of 92.65. He also owns two hundreds and two tons. Gill's highest score in these ODIs is 112. According to ESPNcricinfo, he also owns 157 runs across four innings at 52.33 in the Champions Trophy (one hundred). Notably, earlier in the month, he also became the fastest Indian to score eight ODI tons (51 innings).
Smith
Smith's case for the ICC Player of the Month nomination
The former Aussie skipper has amassed 138 runs in his last five ODIs at an average of 34.50. His strongest case for the nomination, however, comes from his stellar leadership, guiding Australia to the Champions Trophy semifinal despite the absence of their star pace attack. Additionally, he notched his 35th ODI fifty during this period and recorded the second-highest Champions Trophy score by an Australian captain, scoring 73 runs against India in the semi-final.
Phillips
Phillips' stellar all-round contribution earns him ICC POTM nomination
The Kiwi all-rounder is the third nominee for the prestigious award. His nomination is backed by a stellar performance in the tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan and his continued form in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Phillips scored 154 runs in three innings, including an unbeaten century (106) against Pakistan, while also claiming a wicket. According to ESPNcricinfo, he has amassed 143 runs in four Champions Trophy innings, taken two wickets, and pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss Kohli.