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The ICC has finally announced the nominees for the Player of the Month Award for July 2025, with three stars making the cut for for top honour riding on their sensational performances. India captain Shubman Gill, England skipper Ben Stokes and South Africa's all-rounder Wiaan Mulder have all been recognised for their outstanding displays in red-ball cricket.
Gill and Stokes went head-to-head in the just-concluded five-match Test series between India and England, where both captains led from the front with impactful performances. Meanwhile, Mulder turned heads with a historic outing in South Africa's Test series against Zimbabwe.
India's Shubman Gill
India's Test captain had a dreamy run in the recently-concluded Test series in England where he clocked 567 runs at an average of 94.50 over three matches. In total he amassed 754 runs across six innings. His performance was crucial in the team's gripping series, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.
Gill was a key player in India's record-breaking victory at Edgbaston. In the first innings, he scored a monumental 269, followed by another impressive 161 in the second. His combined total of 430 runs across the two innings is the second-highest ever, only surpassed by Graham Gooch's 456. Gill maintained his excellent form with another second-innings century (103) in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which helped India secure a vital draw. Batting at number four, Gill provided stability and flair, successfully taking on the mantle from the legendary Virat Kohli. His ability to convert starts into big scores, especially under pressure when early wickets fell, was instrumental in India's comebacks throughout the series. This consistent performance, combined with his extraordinary captaincy in his debut series, made him a standout player for the team.
England's Ben Stokes
During the three-Test series against India, England captain Ben Stokes once again demonstrated his trademark grit and all-around excellence. Stokes was a key performer with both bat and ball, scoring 251 runs at an impressive average of 50.20 and taking 12 wickets at 26.33. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was a significant factor in England's performance.
Stokes's exceptional form was recognized with back-to-back Player of the Match awards. He first earned the honor at Lord's for his all-around showing, which led to a commanding victory for England. He followed this up with another stellar performance in Manchester, where he took 5 wickets for 72 runs and scored a counter-attacking 141. His century at Old Trafford was particularly crucial, setting the stage for England to post a mammoth first-innings total of 669.
Beyond his individual contributions, Stokes's leadership was vital in maintaining England's intensity and belief throughout the closely contested series. With the ball, he consistently bowled long spells, often breaking key partnerships and shifting the momentum in England's favor. His dynamic play and inspirational leadership were a constant presence for the team.
South Africa's Wiaan Mulder
Wiaan Mulder scripted history after his record-breaking all-around performance during South Africa's two-Test series against Zimbabwe. He was exceptional with the bat, amassing an astonishing 531 runs across two matches at an average of 265.50. This included a composed 147 in the second innings of the first Test, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings.
However, his most remarkable achievement came in the second Test in Bulawayo. In his debut as South Africa's Test captain, he smashed an unbeaten 367, which stands as the highest individual score in the nation's Test history. Mulder's contributions weren't limited to his batting; he also chipped in with the ball, claiming seven wickets at an average of just 15.28. This included a crucial four-wicket haul in the first Test, proving his impact in both disciplines. His extraordinary efforts with both bat and ball rightfully earned him the Player of the Series award.
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