Did Shubman Gill and Sophia Dunkley Shine as ICC Players of the Month for July?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill scored 567 runs with an average of 94.50 in July.
- Sophia Dunkley maintained impressive form in T20Is and ODIs.
- Both players showcased leadership and skill during their series.
- Gill’s double century was a highlight of his captaincy debut.
- Dunkley’s performances were crucial for England in tight matches.
Dubai, Aug 12 (NationPress) India’s Test captain Shubman Gill and England’s spinner Sophia Dunkley have been awarded the ICC Player of the Month honors for July, respectively.
Gill clinched the Player of the Month accolade after facing tough competition from England's Test captain Ben Stokes and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. This marks his fourth Player of the Month award, following wins in February, January, and September of this year.
During July, the 25-year-old delivered an exceptional performance, accumulating 567 runs at an impressive average of 94.50 across three Tests, including a double hundred and two centuries in his six innings.
This was Gill’s inaugural tour as India’s Test captain, and he expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“Receiving the ICC Player of the Month for July is incredibly fulfilling. This recognition holds significant weight as it reflects my performances during my first Test series as captain. The double ton in Birmingham is a memory I will always treasure and a highlight of my tour to England,” Gill stated.
“Leading in the Test series against England was a valuable learning experience, and we witnessed remarkable performances from both teams that I believe will resonate for years to come. I extend my thanks to the panel for this award and to my teammates who supported me throughout this thrilling series. I aim to maintain this form and contribute further to our nation in the upcoming season,” he added.
On the women's side, Sophia Dunkley captured the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, marking her first time receiving this honor. She triumphed over strong contenders, including her England teammate Sophie Ecclestone and Ireland's captain Gaby Lewis.
At 27, Dunkley had a slow start in the second T20I against India in Bristol. Nevertheless, she rebounded impressively in the subsequent match, scoring a vital 75 off 53 balls that helped secure a narrow six-run victory for England.
Throughout the four T20Is, Dunkley accumulated 144 runs with an average of 36 and an impressive strike rate of 134.57. Her excellent form continued into the ODIs, where she scored 126 runs at an average of 63 and a strike rate of 91.97, completing a solid month as an in-form England batter.
Commenting on her achievement, Dunkley said, “I am thrilled to have won the ICC Player of the Month award following a fiercely contested series against India. While we would have loved a series victory, there are many lessons to carry forward as we approach the ICC Women’s World Cup. India deserved their win, and it was a fantastic series to be a part of.”