ICC Reveals Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for January 2026: The ICC has officially unveiled the nominees for the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for January 2026, recognising a group of elite performers who delivered match-winning displays across formats during a packed month of international cricket.
From commanding centuries in high-pressure bilateral series to explosive T20 performances and dominant spells in global qualifiers, the shortlisted players left an undeniable mark on the game.
The January nominations reflect cricket’s global reach, featuring stars from New Zealand, England, India, Ireland, Bangladesh, and the United States, each excelling in different conditions and competitions.
Men’s Player of the Month Nominees – January 2026
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell enjoyed a dream start to 2026, producing one of the most impactful months of his international career. Mitchell was instrumental in New Zealand’s impressive 2–1 away ODI series victory over India, a result built largely on his extraordinary consistency with the bat.
After New Zealand fell behind 0–1 in the series, Mitchell responded in emphatic fashion. He struck back-to-back centuries in the second and third ODIs, completely shifting the momentum of the contest. Across the three-match series, Mitchell amassed 352 runs at a staggering average of 176, a tally that earned him the Player of the Series award.
His performances also propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, underlining the scale of his dominance against a top-tier bowling attack in challenging conditions.
Mitchell’s excellence extended beyond the 50-over format. In the five-match T20I series against India, he blasted a 125-run innings at a strike rate of 186.56, showcasing his adaptability and power-hitting prowess ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Joe Root (England)
Joe Root once again demonstrated his class and resilience, playing a central role in England’s ODI series comeback win against Sri Lanka. After losing the opening match, England turned the series around 2–1, with Root growing stronger as the contest progressed.
Root scored 61 in the first ODI, followed by a more assertive 75 in the second, before delivering a match-winning unbeaten 111 in the series decider. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when required proved decisive.
Across the series, Root accumulated 242 runs and chipped in with two wickets, earning him the Player of the Series award and reaffirming his importance in England’s white-ball setup.
Beyond ODIs, Root was also England’s brightest spark during a challenging Ashes 2025/26 tour of Australia. While England eventually lost the series 4–1, Root’s sublime 160 in the first innings of the Sydney Test stood out as a reminder of his technical mastery and mental strength in hostile conditions.
Suryakumar Yadav (India)
India’s T20 maestro Suryakumar Yadav timed his return to form perfectly, lighting up the month of January with a sensational run in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
After enduring a lean stretch where he failed to score a half-century in 25 innings, Yadav responded with authority. He smashed three half-centuries in the series, leading India to a commanding 4–1 series victory.
Yadav finished the series with 242 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of 196.74, earning the Player of the Series accolade and re-establishing himself as one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format.
His standout performance came in the second T20I, where he blasted an unbeaten 82, guiding India to chase down 208 runs in just 15.2 overs—India’s second-highest successful run chase in T20Is. The innings served as a statement of intent ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Women’s Player of the Month Nominees – January 2026
Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis delivered a captain’s performance during a crucial phase, leading her team to qualification for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup through the global qualifying tournament.
In January, Lewis played six T20Is, scoring 251 runs at a strike rate of 124.87. Her consistency at the top of the order laid the foundation for Ireland’s successful campaign.
Her standout knock was a 73 against Bangladesh, and she finished the qualifiers as the highest run-scorer overall with 276 runs, underlining her leadership and batting maturity when it mattered most.
Sobhana Mostary (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh enjoyed a flawless run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, finishing unbeaten and booking their ticket to the marquee event in England. At the heart of their batting success was Sobhana Mostary.
Mostary scored 229 runs in her first six matches, averaging 45.80 with an impressive strike rate of 145.85. Her ability to combine stability with aggressive stroke play gave Bangladesh a clear edge throughout the tournament.
Her best efforts included a 59 against Thailand and a fluent 47 versus Scotland. In addition to her batting contributions, the 24-year-old off-spinner also claimed a wicket against Papua New Guinea, highlighting her all-round value.
Tara Norris (USA)
Despite the USA narrowly missing out on qualification, left-arm pacer Tara Norris delivered a standout bowling performance during the qualifiers, emerging as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
Norris claimed 15 wickets overall, including 11 scalps in five T20Is in January alone. Her consistency with the new ball and ability to strike in crucial moments made her a constant threat.
She recorded three-wicket hauls against Namibia, Ireland, and Thailand, while her best performance came against Ireland, where she registered exceptional figures of 3/10 in four overs. Norris also chipped in with 39 runs, adding depth to her team’s lower order.
A Month That Celebrated Global Excellence
The January 2026 nominees reflect the ICC’s commitment to recognising performances across genders, formats, and nations. From established superstars to emerging leaders, the shortlist celebrates cricket’s growing competitiveness and global spread.
With fans set to vote alongside an expert panel, the race for the Player of the Month honors promises to be as exciting as the performances that earned these players their nominations.
Also Read:ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Qualified Teams, Full Schedule, and Super Eight Points Table