The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the Player of the Month award for September, and three Indian stars — Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Smriti Mandhana — have made the prestigious list following their stellar performances on the international stage.
Abhishek Sharma: Asia Cup Hero and Record-Breaker
Young opener Abhishek Sharma was one of India’s brightest stars during their victorious 2025 T20 Asia Cup campaign in the UAE. The left-hander smashed 314 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 200, and was rightfully named Player of the Tournament.
His exceptional consistency also earned him the highest-ever batting rating in men’s T20I history — 931 points, firmly cementing his place among the world’s elite.
Kuldeep Yadav: Wicket-Taking Machine
India’s star wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav enjoyed a dream run in the Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 17 scalps at an economy of 6.27.
Kuldeep began the tournament with a sensational 4/7 against the UAE and ended it in style with 4/30 in the final against Pakistan, underlining his importance in India’s white-ball setup despite limited red-ball opportunities.
Smriti Mandhana: Record-Setting ODI Series vs Australia
Women’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana had a superb month in September, bagging the Player of the Series award in a fiercely contested ODI series against Australia.
Mandhana amassed 308 runs in four matches at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68, including two centuries. Her performances also saw her equal the record for most WODI centuries in a calendar year, a milestone she now stands second on.
Other Nominees: Bennett, Amin, and Brits Shine
Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett is the third nominee for the men’s award after a prolific month where he scored 497 runs in nine T20Is at an average of 55.22 and a strike rate of 165.66. His standout knocks — 72, 65, and 111 — were crucial in helping Zimbabwe qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
For the women’s category, Pakistan opener Sidra Amin and South Africa’s Tazmin Brits join Mandhana as nominees. Brits has been unstoppable, scoring four centuries in her last five ODIs, while Amin struck two hundreds and two fifties in her last four appearances.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!