The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month award recipients for September 2023 following an action-packed month of cricket.

India's talented young batter Shubman Gill wins the ICC Men's Player of the Month for September after run-scoring feats in his country's trophy-winning Asia Cup campaign and the subsequent ODI series against Australia, while Sri Lankan icon Chamari Athapaththu claims the ICC Women's Player of the Month crown after her T20I batting and bowling exploits last month delivered her side's maiden series win on English soil.

Both players are crowned following votes cast by global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.

ICC Men's Player of the Month, Gill has enjoyed a whirlwind run of form in 2023 which has seen him surge up the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI batting rankings, and now lies within touching distance of the August Player of the Month winner, Pakistan's Babar Azam.

Runs flooded in for the 24-year-old in ODI cricket in September. He started the month with half-centuries against Nepal and Pakistan before passing three figures in stylish fashion against Bangladesh in Colombo en-route to the final. Chasing down 51 to win the low-scoring finale, Gill remained at the crease to see his side over the line.

Also Read: Shubman Gill: India's best ODI batter ahead of World Cup

Following the conclusion of the Asia Cup, Gill once again shone in the subsequent series against Australia, bagging 74 runs in Mohali and 104 in Indore at more than a run-a-ball.

His 480 runs during the calendar month came at an average of 80, and a strike rate of 99.37.

Reacting to his award win, Gill said, "I am delighted to have won the ICC Player of the Month award for the month of September. It's a great privilege to represent India at the international level and contribute towards the team's cause. This award will further motivate me to continue to seek excellence and make the country proud.

"I managed to make a handy contribution towards the team which had the fortune of winning the Asia Cup 2023 and then, follow it up with an ODI series win against Australia in September. I take this opportunity to thank all my teammates, family and the coaches, without whom this achievement would not have been possible."

Gill claims his second Player of the Month prize for 2023 after overcoming compatriot Mohammed Siraj, and England's Dawid Malan, both of whom displayed outstanding form in shorter formats of the international game ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

ICC Women's Player of the Month, Chamari Athapaththu has been a consistent performer on the world stage for Sri Lanka over a number of years, but her performances in September hit new heights, earning her first Player of the Month award, as well as a historic series victory over England in T20Is.

Also Read: The Soaring Value of Women's Sports: A Game-Changer in the Sports World

The Sri Lanka skipper led from the front to secure her side's maiden series victory in any format on English soil in September, overcoming defeat in the first outing to secure a 2-1 win.

After narrowly losing the rain-effected first contest, Athapaththu spearheaded the response in the second fixture in Chelmsford. She opened the bowling and restricted England to 104 thanks to economical figures of one for 11 in three overs. In pursuit of the low target, her trademark explosive batting was on show as she raced to 55 from 31 balls in the eight-wicket win.

Staring down a historic victory, Athapaththu once again delivered. Three wickets for 21 runs limited the hosts to a modest score of 116, before she steered her side across the line in a seven-wicket win with a priceless 44 runs in 28 balls atop the order.

Athapaththu commented, "I am extremely happy to be named ICC Women's Player of the Month, a recognition I consider not only owned by me, but by our entire team, as without them, I would not have been able to perform to my strengths.

"This award will definitely be a boost for me, my teammates, and our fans, who have been with the team throughout, giving their fullest support, and also be an encouragement for our young cricketers, thus showing them the path."

Athapaththu wins the accolade edging out fellow nominees, South African duo Nadine de Klerk and Laura Wolvaardt, who impressed in series against Pakistan and New Zealand.

In Test cricket, captaincy is often associated with experience and seasoned wisdom, which matters in the long format. However, young talents step up early and prove how they are worthy of leadership.

With Shubman Gill stepping up as the new test captain for India, let's take a moment to celebrate the youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.

Here we bring you the five youngest cricket to ever represent India in tests as a captain.

5. Shubman Gill (25 years 285 days) | 2025

The newest name to join this list of young Indian test captains is Shubman Gill. At the age of 25 years and 285 days, Gill became the 37th test captain of India, and is set to lead in the longest format of the game.

The Indian team will play under Gill's captaincy with the commencement of five-match test series against England on June 20, 2025. This was a major change in the test squad after the former captain, Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, announced retirement from tests.

Gill made his test debut against Australia in December 2020, and scored 1893 runs, with 5 centuries and 7 fifties so far. With this new turnaround in his career, he became the 5th youngest cricketer to lead India in tests.

Read Also: Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

4. Ravi Shastri (25 years 229 days) | 1988

A prominent all-rounder and later a successful coach for the Indian team, Ravi Shastri also briefly held the reins of Test captaincy. He took on the role at the age of 25 years and 229 days, when he led India against West Indies on January 11, 1988.

His captaincy tenure was limited to a single match, but it was a memorable one, as India secured a victory by 255 runs. Shastri scored 3830 runs and took 151 wickets in his test career, that spanned from 1981 to 1992.

3. Kapil Dev (24 years 48 days) | 1983

The legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev stepped into test captaincy for India at the age of 24 years and 48 days. His first match as a captain was against West Indies on February 23, 1983.

Dev captained India in 34 matches and proved how he was worthy of the position with true leadership skills at such young age. He took 434 wickets and scored 5248 runs in his test career (1978-1994).

He is still the youngest captain to win the World Cup for any team, and comes third in the list for youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

2. Sachin Tendulkar (23 years 169 days) | 1996

One of the greatest batsmen of all time, Sachin Tendulkar also had his tenure as the test captain of India at the age of 23 years and 169 days. He first took on the captaincy to lead India in a match against Australia, in 1996.

Tendulkar's captaincy journey had two phases, with him leading in 25 matches. He had an incredible test career with 15921 runs in 200 matches, which is still the highest by any batter in the world!

Read Also: 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years 77 days) | 1962

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India's youngest ever test captain, having taken the role at the age of just 21 years and 77 days! He was famously known as 'Tiger' Pataudi in the field of cricket.

He captained India in 40 matches out of his 46-match test career. Despite losing his right eye in an accident early in his career, he continued to play and lead with brilliant skills and courage.

Pataudi scored 2793 runs, smashing 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries in his test career (1961-1975).

The Eliminator match of IPL 2025 will be played between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday, May 30. The team that wins this match will play Qualifier-2 while the losing team will be out of the tournament.

Gujarat Titans were strong contenders for the number two position from the beginning, but the defeat in the last 2 matches spoiled their chances. After the initial defeat, Mumbai Indians were also riding on the winning chariot, but after losing 2 out of the last 3 matches of the league stage, Hardik Pandya and team had to settle for the fourth position. Now both these teams have to win 3 consecutive matches to win the title.

Also Read: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

After defeating MI twice in the group stages earlier in the IPL 2025 season, GT will be confident to get the better of the five-time champions once again, to get themselves a step closer to winning their second title in four seasons.

For MI, it will be very important to bring their A game forward after not playing to their full potential against GT earlier in the tournament, and this could very well be the case due to the impressive track record in the knockout matches for the franchise.

From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians Eliminator in IPL 2025.

Match Details

• Match: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians 
• Tournament: IPL 2025, Eliminator
• Date: 30 May 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

Streaming Details

Cricket fans from India can watch the GT vs MI Eliminator on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.

Pitch Report

The pitches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur had something for batters and bowlers during the early stages of the IPL 2025, allowing for some compelling cricket for the fans. Over the years, the teams batting first have five matches, while teams batting second have won four matches in the league at this venue. The average first innings total here in the IPL is 170.

Weather Report

The weather report has forecasted rain in Chandigarh on the match day. However, there is no forecast of rain during the match time at night. As a result, rain is unlikely to play spoilsport during the GT vs MI clash. The temperature is set to hover in the early 30s during the match.

GT vs MI: Head-to-Head Record

Gujarat Titans have a proud 5-2 record in seven IPL matches over MI, with a few matches going down to the wire over the course of the last four seasons. Earlier in the IPL 2025, one of their fixtures, which was played in Mumbai, was decided on the last ball with the rain playing a role leading up to it, wherein GT held their nerve to get across the finishing line.

GT's Last Five Matches

MI's Last Five Matches

Also Read: IPL 2025 playoffs: Here is how each team reached top four

Possible XIs

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, R Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Subs: Arshad Khan

Mumbai Indians: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Charith Asalanka, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact Subs: Karn Sharma

Fantasy Team Prediction

Kusal Mendis, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (vc), Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya (c), Mitchell Santner, Arshad Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult.

IPL 2025 got an additional layer of drama to the tournament with all the heated moments that took place. Some were just mere arguments, while some broke the internet with their intensity.

From arguments to fiery debates or controversial flashpoints, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. You can also watch the YouTube video for the list. 

Anyways, if you like to read, here is the list. 

1. Abhishek Sharma & Digvesh Rathi (SRH vs LSG)

IPL 2025 saw a fiery clash between the SRH opener, Abhishek Sharma, and LSG spinner, Digvesh Rathi. The point arrived in the eighth over of SRH's chase, when Abhishek got dismissed by Rathi, after an explosive knock of 59 runs (20 balls).

The moment occurred when Digvesh, who is known for his exclusive 'notebook' celebration, continued with the same after the dismissal. This gesture provoked Sharma, who was walking back to the dugout, and turned around with an angry reaction to it.

The entire team and the Umpires had to intervene to stop the verbal exchange between them. Both players were fined, with Rathi receiving a suspension.

The intensity of a must-win clash! 🔥#DigveshRathi dismisses the dangerous #AbhishekSharma, & things get heated right after! 🗣️💢

Is this the breakthrough #LSG needed to turn things around? 🏏

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/qihxZlIhqW #IPLRace2Playoffs 👉 #LSGvSRH |… pic.twitter.com/TG6LXWNiVa

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 19, 2025

Post-match Handshake

During the post-match handshake, Sharma and Rathi were seen having a conversation and shaking hands, displaying true sportsmanship.

Read Also: Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move

2. Hardik Pandya & Sai Kishore (MI vs GT)

A heated exchange occurred between the former teammates, Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore, during a match between MI and GT. This was during the second innings when MI had to chase down a huge total set by GT.

After a dot ball, Sai Kishore gave Pandya and intense stare to build pressure, while Pandya did not back down and returned the glare with the same intensity. Pandya was also seen saying "f*** off" in response.

Umpires quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. Kishore answered in a post-match interview saying "Inside the field it should be like that, but we don't take things personally."

GAME 🔛

Hardik Pandya ⚔ Sai Kishore - teammates then, rivals now! 👀🔥

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp #IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/2p1SMHQdqc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 29, 2025

Post-match Handshake

Both players hugged it out during the post-match handshakes, clearing out all the ongoing heat and confusion.

Read Also: Most times defending 200+ totals in IPL history

3. Jasprit Bumrah & Karun Nair (MI vs DC)

A rare sight of Jasprit Bumrah being agitated was seen during a match between MI and DC in IPL 2025. It occurred when Karun Nair was having a phenomenal time with the bat for DC and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in a single over.

The argument began when Nair collided with Bumrah while completing a second run between the wickets. He instantly apologised, but Bumrah was visibly angry and exchanged heated words.

The average Delhi vs Mumbai debate in comments section 🫣

Don't miss @ImRo45 's reaction at the end 😁

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QAuja88phU#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/FPt0XeYaqS

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 13, 2025

Post-match Handshake

Fans were pleased to see both players sorting things out during the post-match handshake. The official page of Delhi Capitals also posted the moment captured on camera, captioning "Sab theek hai bhai."

Sab theek hai bhai 🫂 pic.twitter.com/8pi2zFkh1w

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 14, 2025

4. Virat Kohli & KL Rahul (RCB vs DC)

While the friendly banter about KL Rahul's "Kantara" style celebration went viral, a sight of clear heated conversation was also seen in the match between RCB and DC. 

This happened in the first innings, when Virat Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping behind the stumps. The exact words still remain unclear, but Kohli seemed frustrated with DC for delaying while setting up the field during the overs.

Things are heating up in Delhi! 🔥#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB. 💪

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/2H6bmSltQD#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star… pic.twitter.com/Oy2SPOjApz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2025

Read Also: Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet: Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025

Post-match Handshake

DC secured a win against RCB in their first encounter where the heated exchange took place. KL Rahul, who was brilliant with the bat, was seen carrying out a "This is my ground" celebration.

However, things got better after both teams met for the second time, where Kohli mimicked Rahul's celebration after defeating DC, and both of them shared a good laugh.

That “achha hua out ho gaya” from KL 🤣💙 pic.twitter.com/OGFB4AQ4Lx

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 28, 2025

5. Glenn Maxwell & Travis Head (PBKS vs SRH)

IPL 2025 saw a surprising clash between the Aussie teammates, Travis Head (SRH) and Glenn Maxwell. The incident took place during SRH's massive run-chase, when Head smashed Maxwell for two consecutive sixes.

It was followed by a dot ball in that over, when Maxwell aggressively threw the ball back towards Head. Both teammates reacted sharply after that incident, increasing the tension between them.

Their fellow Aussie teammate, Marcus Stoinis, stepped in with a disappointed look, along with the Umpires, to intervene and resolve the matter.

Watch the clip on: reddit.com

6. Shubman Gill & Umpires (GT vs SRH)

Shubman Gill was at the centre of two heated moments involving umpires in IPL 2025.

The first one occurred when Gill (batting on 76) was given out via a controversial run-out decision. He was furious to be sent back, while the footage was unclear whether SRH's wicket-keeper, Klassen, had dislodged the bails with the ball or his gloves.

What's your take? 👇✍🏻#ShubmanGill seen having a word with the umpire after being given out by the third umpire on a tight call! 👀

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/RucOdyBVUf#IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvSRH | LIVE NOW on SS-1, SS- 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/TPiALXJu8O

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

Things escalated in the second innings when captain Gill openly disagreed with an LBW decision for the SRH batter Abhishek Sharma, which went against his team. 

Chaos at the centre! 😳#ShubmanGill and #AbhishekSharma in discussion with the umpires!
A review going #SRH’s way has sparked some serious drama! 🧐

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/RucOdyBo4H#IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvSRH | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, &… pic.twitter.com/KX68eec2ZB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

7. Virat Kohli & CSK Pacers (RCB vs CSK)

This incident ignited when CSK's pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, bowled a sharp bouncer to Virat Kohli, and then followed through intensely with a stare. Khaleel got closer to him, while Kohli seemed to maintain the eye-contact and take this as a low-key disrespect.

The drama followed during the post-match handshakes where Kohli had a chat with Khaleel, tauntingly saying "ab tu aa," referring to their second encounter. As a result, Kohli smashed 3 sixes in Khaleel's over, when the teams met for the second time in IPL 2025. 

KING REMEMBERS! 😁

Come for Virat 🆚 MSD, stay for Virat 🆚 Khaleel too! 🍿

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/dl97nUeINj #IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/khdozY9jMg

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 3, 2025

Additionally, Kohli also had an instance with CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, where he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer. Kohli immediately responded with a six and a four, while giving back a look.

1st ball – 😮‍💨
2nd ball – 6️⃣

That’s what it’s like facing the GEN GOLD! ❤

Classy counter from #ViratKohli! 🙌🏻

Watch LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 3 & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/MzSQTD1zQc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2025

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has announced Team India for India's tour of England today i.e. Saturday, 24 May. Along with the ENG vs IND 2025 squad announcement of the team, he also announced the new captain. A total of 18 players of Team India have been selected for the England tour and the command of this team has been handed over to young Shubman Gill.

Rishabh Pant has been made the vice-captain of the team. Karun Nair has returned to the Indian squad for the first time since 2017. Players like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have also got a place. However, Mohammed Shami has not been selected in the team.

Also Read: Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

Here's everything Agarkar said during the Press conference of ENG vs IND 2025 squad announcement.

Why was Mohammed Shami not selected?

Ajit Agarkar has confirmed that the medical team has declared Mohammed Shami unfit, due to which he has not been selected. "He's had a little bit of a setback over the past week, got some MRIs done. Wasn't going to be able to play five Tests. Don't think his workload is where he needs to be. Medical guys told he'll be ruled out. We were hoping he'll play some part, but if he's not fit, we'd rather pick guys fit and available rather than waiting," Agarkar said.

Shami played his last Test match for India in the form of WTC Final 2023.

Virat Kohli had approached for retirement in April

Ajit Agarkar revealed that Virat Kohli had approached him in April regarding retirement from Test cricket. He said, "When guys like that retire, always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is, opportunity for someone else. Had conversations with both of them."

"Virat reached out early April, seem him give 200% every ball he plays even when he's not batting or on the field. Felt he'd given everything he had, if he can't keep up to the standards it was time for him. It's come from him. Have to respect that. They've earned that respect."

Jasprit Bumrah will not play all 5 Tests

Jasprit Bumrah will not play all five Tests, Ajit Agarkar confirms. The chief selector said, "Don't think he'll be available for all five Tests. Whether it's four or three, we'll see based on how the series goes and his workload is. Even if he's fit for 3-4 Tests, he'll be an asset for us. Just happy he's part of the squad.

"More important to us a player. Once you're managing people, there's a lot that takes out of you. We've had a chat with him, he's okay with it. He knows where his body's at. KL not really, he's captained a while back, he's a quality player and hope he has a big series. With Booms, it was more about his workload management.

'He’s a quality bowler'

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been included in the squad in the absence of Mohammad Shami. Talking about Arshdeep's inclusion, Ajit Agarkar stated, "He's a quality bowler and has had a taste of counTy as well. he plays domestic when he can. A tall guy, can bowl with the new ball, has body of work in red-ball cricket and in recent form in the last couple of years. Bumrah unlikely to play all five Tests, we needed a bit of variety."

Also Read: Form? Fitness? Should Mohammad Shami be there for the England test series? Who are the other options?

Agarkar on captaincy

With Shubman Gill being appointed as India's new Test captain, Ajit Agarkar provided a massive hint that Gill could be the long-term leader of the Test team.

"We discussed every option that's there, over the last year or so, we've looked at Shubman at various times. Taken a lot of feedback from the dressing room. Very young, but there's been improvement. We're hopeful he's the guy. He's a terrific player, our best wishes to him."

"You don't pick captains for one tour or two tours. We've seen some progress over the last year or two with him. No doubt it's going to be as tough as it gets,"

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20. Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.

Also Read: LIVE: Indian Test team announcement for England tour LIVE updates | Subhman Gill named captain; Nair, Sudharsan, Easwaran, Shardul in test squad

Gill will replace Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May due to poor form last season, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Gill's Test career

Gill has played 32 Tests for India so far. He made his Test debut in the MCG Test on India's 2020-21 Australia tour. He has so far scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. There is a big difference between his average at home (42.03) and outside (27.53). The upcoming series will be Gill's first full tour.

He has also played two WTC Finals there in 2021 and 2023, and also played the fifth Test on the 2021 tour after it was postponed due to COVID-19.

India will start WTC 2025-27 cycle with five-Test series

India will start the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-Test series against England. They are scheduled to play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second Test at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third Test at Lord's (from July 10), the fourth Test at Old Trafford (from July 23) and the final Test at The Oval (from July 31).

Every Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

Since their first Test in 1932, India have witnessed 36 Test captains across 589 matches. CK Nayudu led India in their maiden Test match in 1932 against England. However, it was only 20 years later that India tasted their first Test victory under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare against England on February 10, 1952 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Only five Indian captains – Mohammed Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – have managed to notch up at least 10 Test victories. Kohli remains as India’s most successful Test captain, winning 40 of the 68 Tests he led in with a 58.82 success rate. Leading in 60 games between 2008-14, Dhoni is the second-most successful Test skipper for the country, winning 27 matches.