India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has won the ICC Player of the Month for January 2021 in the inaugural edition of the newly instated awards by the world’s cricket governing body.

Pant won the award for his heroics on the recent Australia tour, where he first scored 97 in Sydney, giving India hopes of an unlikely Test win chasing 407 to win. However, his best knock came in Brisbane in the all-important Test match, as he slammed 89* in Gabba, as India chased down a record 328 runs to win the match and the series 2-1.   

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This was India’s second consecutive Test series win in Australia and one that came after India had lost the first Test in Adelaide having being bowled out for their lowest innings score of 36. The Indian team battled the loss of players due to injuries and captain Virat Kohli missed the last three Tests due to paternal leave.

“Pant's heroics in the final two tests against Australia will be folklore stuff, particularly given the circumstances: the strength of opposition and the extraordinary level of expectations from his fans,” said journalist and ICC Voting Academy member Mona Parthsarathi.

“With these knocks, Pant has given a life lesson too – that success comes to those who WILL and DARE,” she added.

"For a player who was under so much pressure, January 2021 will always bring sweet memories, and perhaps remind Rishabh Pant of a turning point in his career," ICC Voting Academy member Mohammad Isam said. 

(ICC inputs)