BCCI Naman Awards: Shubman Gill expresses gratitude after Best International Cricketer honour

Shubman Gill (Pic: ICC)

Shubman Gill expressed gratitude after winning the Polly Umrigar Award (Best International Cricketer - Men) for the 2024-25 season, at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026, in New Delhi.

India's ODI and Test skipper thanked the BCCI for the prestigious award as he entered a list of legends who have managed to win the prize. Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and Jasprit Bumrah are among the former winners of the award.

After receiving the award, Gill credited India's cricketing achievement of the last year as a collective effort and thanked the staff and his fellow players. Gill further thanked his parents and family members for their continued support throughout the journey.

"Firstly, thank you, BCCI. Many other greats and many legends have received this award. So, it's a great honour to be here. 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. Also, my parents and all my family members who helped me get here where I am," Gill said after receiving the award.

Notably, this marked the second time that Gill has been named the Best International Cricketer - Men at the Naman Awards. He also received the award for his performances in the 2022-24 season.

2024-25 was Shubman Gill's standout year of his career

Shubman Gill had a fantastic 2025, particularly in the Test format for India. He set the standard during the five-Test series against England, being the country's leading run scorer with 754 runs in 10 innings at a remarkable average of 75.40.

His highest score was 269, and he scored a total of 4 centuries throughout the series. With 983 runs at an average of 70.21 in nine games, Gill also became the highest run scorer in international cricket in 2025.

The 26-year-old also made an important contribution to India's successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. He scored an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh in India's opening match in the tournament. He ended the tournament with 188 runs at an average of 47, finishing as India's third-highest run-scorer.

(With ANI input)