Shubman Gill gets tough fight from 1 England, 1 South African player for prestigious ICC award

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month for July 2025 on Wednesday, August 6. Team India captain Shubman Gill and England skipper Ben Stokes are nominated for the prestigious ICC award, along with South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

India and England produced a thrilling Test series that concluded in a 2-2 draw. Notably, the Men in Blue had also drawn their 2021-22 tour of England by the same margin. No visiting side has managed to win a Test series in this rivalry since England, under Alastair Cook, triumphed in India during the 2012-13 tour.

Shubman Gill Among ICC Player of the Month Nominees for July

Shubman Gill had an exceptional month during India’s Test series in England. He scored 567 runs in three matches at an average of 94.50. He registered scores of 269 and 161 in the second Test. His tally of 430 runs in that match is the second-highest ever in a single Test, only behind Graham Gooch’s 456.

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Shubman Gill struggled in the third Test but bounced back in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he scored a second-innings century (103) that helped India draw the game. He was instrumental in securing a 2-2 result in the series.

The 25-year-old has stepped up in the absence of Virat Kohli and provided much-needed stability. With Shubman Gill's big scores under pressure and his leadership qualities, Gill is a strong contender for the ICC Player of the Month award.

Ben Stokes to Compete With Shubman Gill for Prestigious ICC Award

Ben Stokes delivered all-round performances during the July leg of the Test series. He scored 251 runs at an average of 50.20 and picked up 12 wickets at 26.33 in just three matches. His contributions were crucial in helping England take a 2-1 lead before he missed the final Test at The Oval.

Stokes was named Player of the Match in two consecutive games. He scored twin fifties at Lord’s to guide England to a 22-run win over India. In the fourth Test in Manchester, he produced one of his finest performances, taking five wickets and scoring 141 runs to help England post a mammoth total.

The England skipper bowled long spells and provided key breakthroughs to shift the momentum in his team’s favor. His leadership proved vital throughout the series. Stokes is also expected to be a strong contender for the ICC Player of the Month award.

Wiaan Mulder Earns Nomination for ICC Player of the Month for July

Wiaan Mulder also earned a nomination for the ICC Player of the Month for July after a stellar all-round performance in South Africa’s Test series against Zimbabwe. He captained the side for the first time in the format during the series.

The all-rounder grabbed headlines with an unbeaten 367 in the second Test - the highest individual score by a South African in Test history.

Across the two-match series, Mulder amassed 531 runs at an average of 265.50, including a 147 in the first Test. He also contributed with the ball, taking seven wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the opening game. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Series award.

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