Shubman Gill Expresses Gratitude After Winning Best International Cricketer Award at BCCI Naman Awards 2026
Star Indian cricketer Shubman Gill expressed heartfelt gratitude after being honored with the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. The ceremony took place on Sunday in New Delhi, where Gill, who captains the ODI and Test teams, received the accolade for the 2024-25 season.
Gill's Emotional Acceptance Speech
In a video shared by Star Sports on X, Gill thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and acknowledged the legacy of the award. "Firstly, thank you, BCCI. Many other greats and many legends have received this award. So, it's a great honour to be here," he said. He emphasized the collective effort of the Indian cricket team, crediting them for the remarkable achievements of the past year, including winning five ICC trophies—a historic feat. "I think what we have been able to achieve last year as an Indian cricket group has been tremendous. Five ICC trophies, I don't think it has ever happened. And I wanna thank my teammates. Without them, it would not have been possible," Gill added. He also expressed appreciation for his parents and family members for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Second Time Winner and Outstanding 2025 Performance
This marks the second time Gill has been named Best International Cricketer at the Naman Awards, having previously won for the 2022-24 season. His 2025 performance was particularly exceptional, especially in Test cricket. During India's tour of England, he led by example in the five-Test series, emerging as India's top run-scorer with 754 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 75.40. His tally included four centuries, with a highest score of 269. Gill also finished as the highest run-getter globally for 2025, amassing 983 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.21.
Contributions to Champions Trophy 2025
Gill played a crucial role in India's successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. He scored an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh in India's opening match and ended the tournament with 188 runs at an average of 47, finishing as India's third-highest run-scorer. His consistent performances across formats have solidified his reputation as one of India's leading cricketers.
The BCCI Naman Awards celebrate excellence in Indian cricket, and Gill's recognition underscores his significant contributions to the sport. As he continues to lead and inspire, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what he will achieve next in his promising career.
