"Recognizing Excellence: Shubman Gill and Grace Scrivens named ICC Players of the Month for January"

 

The ICC announced the winners of the January 2023 ICC Player of the Month awards, with India’s Shubman Gill and England’s Grace Scrivens taking home the honours for the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Scrivens is the youngest recipient of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after her impressive all-round performances at the first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. On the other hand, Gill’s record-breaking month in white-ball cricket, particularly in the ODI format, made him a deserving winner of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. The winners were selected through a global vote among media representatives, ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and fans registered at icc-cricket.com.

 

ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards

The ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards were introduced in January 2021 to recognize and celebrate the best performances of both male and female cricketers across all formats of the game. The winners are selected through a voting process that involves an independent ICC voting academy and fans from around the world. The awards aim to encourage and inspire cricketers to perform at their best and provide fans with an opportunity to engage with their favourite players.

 

ICC Men’s Player of the Month, January 2023

Shubman Gill, an Indian cricketer, has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January. The announcement was made on Monday after Gill impressed with a series of impressive innings in the ODI format, setting several records.

During the month of January, Shubman Gill scored a total of 567 runs, which included three century-plus scores, making him the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. His standout performance was his unbeaten 208 in just 149 balls, including 28 boundaries, in the nail-biting victory over New Zealand in the series opener in Hyderabad. This made him the youngest double-centurion in the ODI format. In addition, he scored 116 in a dominant victory over Sri Lanka and 112 in the final ODI against New Zealand.

 

Former Zimbabwe international and voting panel member Pommie Mbangwa praised Gill’s talent, stating that his languid elegance and beautiful style have been evident since his under-19 days and continue to impress. He also mentioned that Gill’s double century against New Zealand puts him in an elite club and may signal the take-off of his career proper.

During January, Gill displayed a tremendous performance in white-ball cricket. He was a prolific scorer throughout the month, especially in the ODI format, where he scored big against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. His exceptional skills and outstanding performance enabled him to overcome tough competition and claim his first ICC Men’s Player-of-the-Month award. Gill was able to beat New Zealand opener Devon Conway and compatriot Mohammed Siraj in the global vote. In addition, he became the first Indian player to win the award since Virat Kohli in October 2022.

 

In a statement released by the ICC, Gill expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and the recognition for his performance. He said, "January was a special month for me, and winning this award makes it all the more memorable." "It is always heartening to be recognized for your performances, and I will take great confidence from these innings, especially as we head into an extremely important period prior to an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on home soil."

Gill’s record-breaking performances in January were a significant contribution to the Indian cricket team’s success. His consistent scoring and fearless batting style have made him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team. Gill’s performance is expected to boost his confidence ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on home soil.

 

ICC Women’s Player of the Month, January 2023

Grace Scrivens, the England U-19 skipper, has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2023. She became the youngest player ever to receive the award. Scrivens led her team in seven matches during the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. She made significant contributions as a batter, bowler, and captain, leading her team to the final.

 

Scrivens was impressive with the bat, scoring 293 runs at an average of 41.85, which included three half-centuries in victories over Rwanda, Ireland, and the West Indies. In addition to her batting exploits, she took nine wickets during the tournament at an average of 7.11, including the final wicket as England sealed their passage to the final with a thrilling semi-final victory over Australia by three runs. Scrivens, who emulated Jos Buttler and Harry Brook, the previous England winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards in November and December, respectively, overcame stiff competition from Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney of Australia, who also performed brilliantly in the shorter formats during January.

 

Reacting to the news of her award, Scrivens expressed her delight and amazement, saying, "I am so happy and amazed to have been voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month." It was a brilliant tournament, and one that we really enjoyed. "Women’s cricket is in an exciting phase right now, and it’s an honour to be a part of it."

Lydia Greenway, the former England international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, praised Scrivens, saying: "Grace was instrumental in ensuring England had a successful campaign at the recent ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup." Although they lost to India in the final, Grace was a true leader throughout, picking up Player of the Tournament. "She was a joy to watch at such a young age."

Scrivens’ achievement as the youngest player to receive the award highlights the potential of the next generation of women cricketers. The recognition of her outstanding performances serves as an inspiration to young women around the world who aspire to follow in her footsteps and make a name for themselves in the sport.

 

Conclusion

The ICC Player of the Month awards for January 2023 recognized the outstanding performances of two talented young cricketers, with England’s Grace Scrivens winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month and India’s Shubman Gill crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. Scrivens was recognized for her all-round performances at the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, while Gill was awarded for his record-breaking performances in white-ball cricket, including a stunning double century against New Zealand. Both players garnered widespread praise for their impressive performances and represent the future of their respective national teams.