New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and Bangladesh batter Sobhana Mostary were awarded the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026, respectively.

Mitchell’s consecutive centuries contributed significantly to New Zealand’s historic first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil, where the team won the series 2-1. He secured the award ahead of India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and England batter Joe Root, according to the ICC.

During the three-match ODI series, New Zealand recovered from a 0-1 deficit to win 2-1. Mitchell played a central role in this comeback, scoring an unbeaten 131 in the second match and 137 in the third, helping set a winning total of 337/8.

Despite strong performances from India, including Virat Kohli’s 124 and half-centuries by Nitish Kumar Reddy, India were unable to surpass the target.

Mitchell accumulated 352 runs at an average of 176, earning the Player of the Series accolade. His performances also elevated him to the number one position in the ICC ODI batting rankings. In the subsequent five-match T20I series against India, he scored 125 runs at a strike rate of 186.56.

Sobhana Mostary was honoured for her outstanding showing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, which contributed to her receiving the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for January 2026.

She was nominated alongside Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and American left-arm pacer Tara Norris.

In the Global Qualifier, Mostary scored 229 runs in six matches at an average of 45.80 and a strike rate of 145.85, playing a key role in Bangladesh’s unbeaten run and qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June and July.

In the Global Qualifier, Mostary scored 229 runs in six matches at an average of 45.80 and a strike rate of 145.85, playing a key role in Bangladesh’s unbeaten run and qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June and July.