The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for February 2025. Australia’s legendary batter Steve Smith, India’s prolific opener Shubman Gill, and New Zealand’s versatile all-rounder Glenn Phillips have been shortlisted following impressive performances during international fixtures held throughout the month.
Steve Smith’s nomination comes after a brilliant display during Australia’s recent Test series in Sri Lanka, where he showcased his vast experience and batting class on Asian pitches. Smith delivered exceptional innings, scoring 141 in the first Test and a rapid 131 in the second match, achieving a remarkable strike-rate of 136.00. His outstanding contributions earned him the Player of the Series award. Although Smith had modest outings in the subsequent ODI series against Sri Lanka—scoring only 12 and 29—he later participated in the ICC Champions Trophy. In the Champions Trophy, Smith managed scores of 5 against England and an unbeaten 19 against Afghanistan, marking his farewell tournament from ODI cricket.
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India’s star opener, Shubman Gill, enjoyed an exceptional month in the 50-over format. Across five ODI matches played in February, Gill amassed an impressive 406 runs, averaging 101.50 with a strike-rate of 94.19. His standout performances came in India’s home series against England, where he produced crucial knocks of 87 in Nagpur, 60 in Cuttack, and a memorable century (112) in Ahmedabad, clinching the Player of the Series award. These strong displays propelled Gill to the number one position in the ICC ODI batting rankings, giving him great momentum entering the ICC Champions Trophy. Maintaining his exceptional form, Gill started the Champions Trophy with an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh, followed by an important 46-run innings in India’s high-intensity clash against Pakistan.
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, known for his dynamic abilities in batting, bowling, and fielding, also secured a nomination. Phillips played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s success in the recent tri-nation ODI series held in Pakistan, which involved the hosts and South Africa.
During February, Phillips accumulated 236 runs in five ODIs at an impressive strike-rate of 124.21, and also claimed one wicket. He notably delivered three unbeaten innings, scoring 106 against Pakistan in Lahore, 28 against South Africa, and another critical unbeaten 20 against Pakistan in Karachi to help New Zealand secure the tri-series title.
Phillips carried this excellent form into the ICC Champions Trophy, contributing significantly with an innings of 61 against Pakistan and an unbeaten 21 against Bangladesh, making him one of the most impactful players of the month.
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