India’s Test captain Shubman Gill was honored with the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for 2025 by the BCCI, a recognition he described as a great honor, especially being listed among cricketing legends. Reflecting on India’s resilient performances over the past year, including a hard-fought draw in the England series and strong showings in the West Indies and Asia Cup, Gill credited the team’s collective effort and the support staff, including coach Gautam Gambhir, for shaping India into one of the most fearless teams in world cricket.
Gill highlighted the importance of upcoming crucial Test series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia, which are key to India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. He also acknowledged the BCCI’s leadership and infrastructure support, which have been vital for player development and recovery. Gill downplayed legacy discussions, focusing instead on building a team identity characterized by resilience and determination. His outstanding performance in the England series, scoring 754 runs at an average of 75.40, was central to his award recognition.
