Two Indian cricketing sensations, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, are at the heart of contention for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for September 2023 after their scintillating performances in the Asia Cup 2023. However, they face stiff competition from England's opener Dawid Malan who has secured his World Cup slot post an impressive ODI series against the Kiwis on home turf and also smashed a century in the second game of the tournament against Bangladesh.
Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj's dominance in the Asia Cup
The prodigious Gill, currently under treatment for dengue in Chennai, showcased sublime form during the Asia Cup, particularly shining in the Super 4s stage in Sri Lanka.
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2023 has been a golden year for Gill, potentially eyeing his second Player of the Month title. With an aggregate of 480 runs in eight ODIs in September alone, his prowess is evident. Noteworthy innings include a majestic ton against Bangladesh and consecutive scorching scores against Australia.
And Mohammed Siraj, after a remarkable five-wicket feat in the final opposite Sri Lanka, has been crowned the No. 1 ODI bowler. His six-wicket ambush, resulting in Sri Lanka's paltry 50 in Colombo, will be fondly remembered by cricket enthusiasts for years to come. With his spectacular form, he has once again clinched the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI bowler rankings. His September will be etched in history, primarily due to his dismantling of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final.
Dawid Malan's return to form
Malan, after a brief paternity hiatus, made an emphatic statement in the ODI format against New Zealand. With this performance, he's ensured his presence in the upcoming World Cup, particularly as the reigning champs decided to sidestep Jason Roy.
Malan entered the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in sterling form, garnering the Player of the Series title in the recent triumph against New Zealand. With scores escalating each match, he almost hit a century with 96, eventually surpassing the three-figure mark at Lord's. His September ODI run tally stands at a staggering average of 92.33.
A glance at the ICC Women's Player of the Month
Chamari Athapaththu, with her stellar all-round performance, inspired Sri Lanka to an unprecedented series win in England. Joining her in the contention for September's accolade are South Africa's Nadine de Klerk, vital to her team's successes against Pakistan and New Zealand, and Laura Wolvaardt, who continued to showcase her batting prowess.
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