The International Cricket Council has announced the introduction of the “ICC Player of the Month” awards that will celebrate and applaud the best displays of both female and male players across all formats of international cricket in a particular month. Fans will be invited to vote every month for their favorite cricketing performance every month. Along with the fans, an ICC Voting Academy that will comprise former players, journalists and broadcasters will be asked to vote for the Men’s Player of the Month and the Women’s Player of the Month award.
The top candidates from January are –
Mohammad Siraj – The fast bowler impressed with his skills as he picked up 8 wickets across the two Tests that he played this month, including a 5-wicket haul against Australia in Brisbane. Playing just his third Test match, Siraj was asked to lead the bowling unit after ace paceman Jasprit Bumrah had been ruled out with injury at the Gabba, and the Hyderabadi impressed with a spell to remember.
Washington Sundar- The youngster was called on as a net bowler to Australia, but the spate of injuries in the Indian team meant that he made his debut at The Gabba. The spinner extracted turn from a flat deck and ended with a match haul of 4 for 169. His 62 with the bat played a huge role in helping India seal a historic win.
Rishabh Pant- The youngster has often been criticized for his wicket-keeping skills, but he has emerged as a reliable batsman in overseas conditions. The same was on display this month, as Pant, first in Sydney and then at The Gabba, played two crucial innings. His 97 at the SCG helped salvage a draw, while his unbeaten 89 at Brisbane took India to a series win.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz- The Afghanistan player impressed as he stroked his way to a fine 127 in the first ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. Playing just his first ODI, the 19-year old wicket-keeper took apart the experienced Irish bowlers to mark his entry in style.
Ravichandran Ashwin- The off-spinner played the innings of a lifetime as he, along with Hanuma Vihari, batted 42 overs to take India to safety in Sydney. Battling a back spasm, Ashwin saw off some lethal fast bowling and plenty of chatter from the Australian fielders as he helped India script a draw for the ages. He also picked up 2 for 95 with the ball in the second innings.
Joe Root- The Englishman stamped his presence with knocks of 228 and 186 in the tough conditions of Sri Lanka this month. Without several key players, the onus of leading from the front was on Root, and the skipper did not disappoint as he helped his team to a series win.
Steve Smith- After a slow start to the summer, Steve Smith roared back to form with knocks of 131 and 81 at SCG, which helped Australia post a formidable total against India. He followed it up with a defiant 55 in the second innings of the last Test, to highlight why he is so highly regarded.
The women’s cricketers who are candidates are – Marizanne Kapp (SA), Nadine de Klerk (SA), Nida Dar (PAK)