India opener Shafali Verma has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2026 following her impressive performances in T20 international cricket. The 22-year-old played a key role in India’s success in the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games, delivering important contributions with both bat and ball. This is the second time Verma has won the monthly award. She first received the honour in November last year after helping India win the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil. Verma enjoyed an outstanding September, scoring 360 runs in seven T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 184.61. Her performances included one century and two half-centuries, highlighting her ability to score quickly and put opposition bowlers under pressure in crucial matches.

Apart from her batting, Verma also made valuable contributions with the ball. She claimed six wickets during the month at an average of 13 and an economy rate of 4.33. She took two wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup and added four more during the Asian Games, proving her value as an all-round contributor. Her performances also helped her achieve another significant milestone in T20I cricket. During the Asian Games, Verma became the woman with the most T20I runs in a calendar year, reaching 863 runs in 24 matches and innings. She maintained an average of 39.22 and a strike rate of 162, including a century and multiple half-centuries.

Verma’s consistent performances in high-pressure matches made her one of India’s key players during September. Her aggressive batting at the top of the order gave India strong starts, while her bowling provided the team with an additional option. Winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for the second time is another important achievement in Verma’s career. At just 22, she continues to establish herself as a major player in Indian women’s cricket, contributing to the team’s success across formats and competitions.