New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) - India's Test captain Shubman Gill expressed profound pride and appreciation upon being awarded the esteemed Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the year 2025 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the Naman Awards.

Gill shared that being honored alongside legendary players who have previously received this award made the achievement extraordinarily meaningful.

“It’s truly incredible to be recognized among cricketers, among the legends and idols who have won this award before me. Every time I step onto the field representing my country in a sport I’ve dedicated my life to, it is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by the BCCI,” Gill stated in a video shared by the BCCI on X.

Reflecting on India's journey over the past year, Gill highlighted the team’s resilience during the England series, where they managed to come back and draw after a rocky start.

“This journey has been remarkable. Facing the England series and bouncing back to draw from a tough position after the first Test match, and competing in the West Indies and the Asia Cup has truly made this year exceptional,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Gill underscored the significance of the upcoming Test fixtures, as India prepares to take on Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia in critical series that could influence their chances of advancing to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Currently, the team stands at sixth place with four victories and one draw out of nine matches.

“We have some pivotal Test series ahead. We aim to win most of our matches and qualify for the finals,” he expressed.

Gill credited the collective effort of the team's support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with the entire coaching unit and personnel at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), for molding India into one of the most fearless teams in global cricket.

“It’s the work of everyone—be it Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, or fielding coach; all of them tirelessly contribute to making this team what it is today. That’s why we are recognized as one of the most fearless teams worldwide, and we are seen as favorites wherever we play. That reputation isn’t easy to earn,” he added.

The 26-year-old also acknowledged the support from the current leadership of the BCCI, as well as former secretary Jay Shah, for providing top-notch facilities and infrastructure that have aided in players' development and performance.

“The backing we’ve received from the BCCI, especially from Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been phenomenal. The initiatives they’ve implemented to advance our cricket have greatly benefited us. Even during my injury, the training, practice, and facilities were crucial for my performance,” Gill noted.

He further downplayed discussions surrounding legacy, instead emphasizing the need to cultivate a team identity in Test cricket.

“I don’t emphasize legacy much, but we aspire to be viewed as a team in red-ball cricket that never gives up. We want to instill that character in every player,” he elaborated.

Gill's outstanding performance during India's five-Test series in England was the key factor in receiving the award. He accumulated 754 runs in ten innings at an impressive average of 75.40, including four centuries and a top score of 269. He concluded the year as the highest run-scorer in Tests for 2025, amassing 983 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.21.