India’s test captain Shubman Gill expressed immense pride and gratitude for winning the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for 2025 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the Naman Awards. Gill felt honored to be recognized alongside past legends and idols who had received the award before him. He emphasized the significance of representing his country in cricket and being acknowledged by the BCCI.
Reflecting on India’s recent performances, Gill highlighted the team’s resilience during the England series, where they managed to draw after a challenging start. He described the past year as an incredible journey, mentioning their matches in the West Indies and the Asia Cup. Looking ahead, Gill stressed the importance of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia, crucial for India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship final.
Gill credited the team’s support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, for shaping India into one of the most fearless teams in world cricket. He appreciated the support from the BCCI’s leadership and former secretary Jay Shah for providing top-notch facilities that have contributed to the players’ growth and performance. Gill also emphasized the importance of building a strong team identity in Test cricket rather than focusing on legacy.
