The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Men’s Player of the Month award for January, highlighting three exceptional cricketers whose performances have set them apart during a demanding period of international fixtures. Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand, Joe Root from England, and India’s Suryakumar Yadav have all been recognised for their significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Daryl Mitchell’s Dominance in India
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has kicked off the year in spectacular fashion, spearheading his team’s impressive comeback victory against India in a gruelling One Day International (ODI) series. Mitchell was instrumental in guiding the Kiwis to a hard-fought 2-1 series triumph, demonstrating his class and resilience.
Facing a 0-1 series deficit, Mitchell delivered a masterclass in the second and third ODIs, smashing consecutive centuries. These monumental innings were crucial in New Zealand’s ability to claw their way back into the series and ultimately clinch it. His stellar batting display saw him accumulate an astounding 352 runs against India across the ODI series, boasting an incredible average of 176. This remarkable performance not only earned him the coveted Player of the Series award but also propelled him to the pinnacle of the ICC ODI batting rankings, securing the number one spot. Beyond the 50-over format, Mitchell also showcased his T20 prowess, contributing 125 runs at a blistering strike rate of 186.56 during the five-match T20 International (T20I) series against the same formidable Indian side.
Joe Root’s Resurgence and Ashes Brilliance
England’s veteran batsman Joe Root has also been nominated, largely on the back of his pivotal role in England’s comeback triumph over Sri Lanka in their recent three-match ODI series. Root displayed a consistent upward trajectory in his form throughout the series. He began with a solid contribution of 61 in the opening match, followed by an improved 75 in the second, and culminated his outstanding batting effort with an unbeaten 111 in the series decider. His unbeaten century was the cornerstone of England’s successful chase, helping them overturn a 0-1 series deficit to secure a 2-1 victory.
Root’s consistent run-scoring earned him the Player of the Series accolade, where he amassed 242 runs and also chipped in with two crucial wickets. While the ODI series was a highlight, Root also provided a moment of individual brilliance in the challenging Ashes 2025/26 series against arch-rivals Australia. Despite the hosts ultimately claiming a dominant 4-1 series victory, Root’s magnificent 160 in the first innings of the Sydney Test was a testament to his enduring class and ability to perform under immense pressure, offering a rare spark of brilliance for his team.
Suryakumar Yadav’s T20 Fireworks
Indian explosive batsman Suryakumar Yadav has earned his nomination through a series of electrifying performances, particularly in the T20 International arena, just ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His prowess was on full display during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
A standout moment for Yadav came in the second T20I of the series. In a high-octane chase, he smashed an unbeaten 82, masterfully guiding India to surpass New Zealand’s formidable total of 208 runs in a mere 15.2 overs. This remarkable chase stands as India’s second-highest successful pursuit in the shortest format of the game, underscoring Yadav’s aggressive and match-winning capabilities. His ability to consistently score at a high rate and take calculated risks makes him a constant threat to opposition bowling attacks and a key player for India as they build towards major tournaments.
