Cricket

Melie Kerr, the New Zealand all-rounder, has been crowned the ICC Women's Player of the Month for October, marking her second time receiving the prestigious honor. Her exceptional performances during the T20 World Cup and New Zealand's subsequent tour of India earned her the accolade.Kerr's brilliance shone brightest in the T20 World Cup final, where she was named Player of the Match. Her crucial 43 runs and three wickets played a pivotal role in New Zealand's historic victory. Throughout the tournament, she showcased her all-round prowess, amassing 135 runs and claiming a tournament-record 15 wickets, earning her the Player of the Tournament award.Continuing her impressive form, Kerr made an immediate impact in India. In the solitary ODI she played, she grabbed a four-wicket haul and contributed an unbeaten 25 runs with the bat. Her overall tally for October stands at 160 runs and 19 wickets from just seven appearances."It's an honor to receive this award," said Kerr. "There are so many world-class cricketers who deserve it. It's a special month with the World Cup win, and I'm grateful to my team, coaches, and family for their support."Kerr's consistent performances have solidified her status as one of the most formidable all-rounders in women's cricket. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her an invaluable asset to any team.

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi, Namibia's Gerhard Erasmus, and UAE's Muhammad Waseem have been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for April 2024.Afridi's nomination stems from his exceptional bowling performances in Pakistan's drawn T20I series against New Zealand. He was instrumental in both of Pakistan's victories, taking 3-13 in the second T20I and 4-30 in the fifth and final match. His eight wickets in the series at an average of 10.00 earned him the Player of the Series award.Erasmus played a pivotal role in Namibia's series victory in Oman. He amassed 145 runs and picked up eight wickets, including two Player of the Match performances. In the second match, he scored a controlled half-century, while in the decider, he blasted an eye-catching 64 not out in 29 balls and took two wickets to seal the series win.Waseem, UAE's opening batter, impressed in his side's run to ACC Premier Cup triumph. He scored 269 runs at an average of 44.83, including a century in the final against Oman. His consistent performances throughout the tournament have earned him a nomination for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award.The winner of the award will be announced on May 10, 2024.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, has taken the world by storm with his exceptional performances in the recent Test series against England. The southpaw, who made his India debut in the same series, has emerged as a dominant force, breaking several records and earning accolades for his remarkable batting prowess.Jaiswal's journey to the top has been marked by consistent brilliance. Following a successful stint in the Indian Premier League 2023, he made his Test debut with a bang, scoring a century in his first innings. Throughout the five-match series, he continued to impress, amassing a staggering 712 runs at an average of 89. His tally included two double centuries and three fifties, with his highest score being an unbeaten 214.Behind Jaiswal's success lies the unwavering support of his captain, Rohit Sharma. The experienced skipper has played a crucial role in guiding and mentoring the youngster, both on and off the field. Rohit's vast experience and leadership qualities have provided Jaiswal with the confidence and guidance he needs to thrive at the highest level.In the dressing room, Rohit has shared his knowledge and insights with Jaiswal, helping him develop his game and adapt to the challenges of international cricket. Off the field, he has shielded the youngster from the limelight, allowing him to focus on his performance without distractions.Jaiswal's bond with Rohit has been instrumental in his rapid rise. The youngster has praised his captain for his unwavering support and belief in his abilities. "It's so good to have him there inside the dressing room," Jaiswal said. "The way he backed players throughout this journey, the way he talks, the way he bats. Whatever happens, he will be there to stand by you."Jaiswal's exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed. He was recently named the ICC 'Player of the Month' for February, a testament to his prolific run in the Test series against England. The 22-year-old southpaw has created several records in his short international career, including equaling the long-standing Test record for most sixes in a Test innings (12) during his Rajkot double ton.With his impressive start to his international career, Jaiswal has established himself as one of the most promising Test openers in the world. His ability to score runs consistently, his aggressive approach, and his strong temperament make him a formidable force in the batting lineup. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Jaiswal has the potential to become one of the greatest batsmen of his generation.

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has lauded the exceptional performance of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, highlighting his ability to stay present and focused on the task at hand. Jaiswal's recent accolades include the ICC Men's Player of the Month for February 2024, surpassing the likes of Kane Williamson and Pathum Nissanka.Pant, speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast with Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, expressed his admiration for the young players who have stepped up for India. He emphasized Jaiswal's remarkable consistency and determination."The way all the youngsters are stepping up is really amazing," Pant said. "Jaiswal is someone who likes keeping his head down and just keeps doing what he is doing. And I think if he keeps on doing that, then there's a long way to go."Jaiswal's impressive performance in the recently concluded home series against England showcased his exceptional talent. In five matches and nine innings, he amassed 712 runs at an average of 89.00, including two double centuries and three fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 214.Pant believes that Jaiswal's ability to stay present and not dwell on the future is a key factor in his success. "He doesn't think too much," Pant said. "He just keeps doing what he is doing."Jaiswal's consistent performances have propelled him to the top of the ICC World Test Championship in runs scored. His back-to-back double-hundreds against England in February were instrumental in his rise to the top.Pant's praise for Jaiswal reflects the growing recognition of the young opener's talent and potential. As Jaiswal continues to perform at the highest level, he is poised to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team for years to come.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the prodigious Indian opener, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by bagging the coveted ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February 2024. This accolade is a testament to his exceptional performances in the recently concluded five-Test series against England, which was part of the World Test Championship cycle.Jaiswal's meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a handful of international matches, he has showcased an uncanny ability to score runs at a prolific rate. His tally of 560 runs in three Tests during February, at an astonishing average of 112, is a testament to his unwavering consistency.The highlight of Jaiswal's month was his twin double centuries in back-to-back Tests. In the second Test in Vizag, he smashed a majestic 219 in the first innings, setting the tone for India's eventual victory. His second double century, a gritty 214* in the second innings of the third Test in Rajkot, helped India seize the series lead.Jaiswal's exploits in Rajkot were particularly noteworthy. He became the third youngest batter in history to register two double centuries in Test cricket, joining the illustrious ranks of Sir Donald Bradman and Vinod Kambli. He also set a new record for the most sixes in an innings during a Test, further cementing his status as a fearless and aggressive batsman.Beyond his statistical achievements, Jaiswal's performances have been characterized by an unwavering determination and a maturity that belies his age. His ability to handle pressure situations with aplomb has been a key factor in India's recent success in the Test arena.Jaiswal's ICC award is a fitting recognition of his exceptional talent and hard work. It is a testament to his potential to become one of the world's leading Test openers in the years to come. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, the Indian cricket team can look forward to many more memorable performances from this rising star.

India's rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal has earned his maiden nomination for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February 2024, a testament to his exceptional performances in the Test series against England.Jaiswal's remarkable form played a pivotal role in India's comeback after trailing 1-0 following the loss in the Hyderabad Test. He displayed an exceptional performance by hitting consecutive double centuries in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot during the month, with the latter equaling the record for the most sixes in a Test innings, achieving an impressive 12.Continuing his prolific run, Jaiswal added more runs in the fourth Test at Ranchi, which included a half-century in the first innings. By the end of February, the 22-year-old had accumulated a total of 560 runs at an outstanding average of 112.The back-to-back double hundreds at the age of 22 years and 49 days also made him the third youngest batter in the world to record two double centuries in Tests after Sir Donald Bradman and Vinod Kambli. Jaiswal has also risen to the top of the leading run-scorer list in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka are the other nominees for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award. Williamson is nominated for the honor for the first time since March 2023 after another series of century scores dominated the headlines in New Zealand's first-ever Test series victory over South Africa.Nissanka, on the other hand, excelled in Sri Lanka's recent three ODIs and three T20Is against Afghanistan, smashing the first ever ODI double-century for his country at Pallekele (210 not out in 139 balls) to begin the month in a blistering fashion.In the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for February 2024, UAE duo of Kavisha Egodage and Esha Oza have been shortlisted alongside Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland.