The ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for January 2025 is set to be a contest between three exceptional spinners who delivered stellar performances in their respective formats. Jomel Warrican of the West Indies, Noman Ali of Pakistan, and Varun Chakravarthy of India have all made headlines with their remarkable displays with the ball. Here’s a detailed look at each player’s outstanding performances that have earned them nominations for this prestigious accolade.
Jomel Warrican’s Career-Best Performance in Pakistan
West Indies’ left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was instrumental in his side’s series draw against Pakistan, showcasing a career-best performance. The series was played on spin-friendly pitches in Multan, which proved to be a challenging yet fruitful environment for Warrican.
In the first Test, Warrican delivered his career-best bowling figures of 10/101. Despite the West Indies falling short by 127 runs in this match, Warrican’s effort was a key highlight. He also contributed with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 31*.
However, it was in the second Test where Warrican truly shone. He took four wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a five-wicket haul in the second, finishing with match figures of 9/70. His all-round effort, which included contributing 54 runs, helped the West Indies secure a thrilling victory in the second Test, ensuring the series ended in a draw.
In total, Warrican accumulated 85 runs at an average of 42.50 and claimed nine wickets at an extraordinary average of nine. His exceptional performances earned him the Player of the Series award, underlining his importance to the West Indies side.
Noman Ali’s Historic Performance for Pakistan
Pakistan’s Noman Ali also had an extraordinary month, continuing his impressive form and playing a central role in Pakistan’s fightback against the West Indies. Ali was Pakistan’s primary strike bowler and emerged as the standout performer in their Test series.
In the first Test, Ali took six wickets for 81 runs, but it was in the second Test where his performance truly captivated the cricketing world. He made history by becoming the first Pakistan spinner to take a Test hat-trick, achieving this feat in the first innings. Noman followed this up with another superb display in the second innings, claiming four wickets to finish with match figures of 10/121.
His exceptional efforts helped Pakistan in a series where they faced tough competition from the West Indies. Noman took a total of 16 wickets in January, at an impressive average of 12.62, along with scoring 15 runs. His ability to extract turn and bounce on the spin-friendly surfaces was vital in Pakistan’s attempts to win the series.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Stellar T20I Performances Against England
Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner from India, continued his dominant run in T20I cricket. Having made his return to the Indian squad in October 2024, Chakravarthy was in fine form throughout the four-match T20I series against England at home in January.
Chakravarthy’s performance in the first T20I at Eden Gardens was remarkable as he claimed 3/23, earning the Player of the Match award. In Chennai, although he gave away 38 runs, his wickets of Harry Brook and Jamie Overton were crucial in helping India control the game.
The highlight of Chakravarthy’s January was his phenomenal performance in Rajkot during the third T20I, where he spun a web around the English batsmen, taking five wickets for just 24 runs. His exceptional spell was a game-changer, and his consistency in the series helped India maintain control. He added another two wickets in the fourth T20I in Pune, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In total, Chakravarthy took 12 wickets at an impressive average of 9.41, with an outstanding economy rate of 7.01, making him one of the most effective T20 bowlers in January.
A Showdown Between Three Outstanding Spinners
The ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for January 2025 promises to be a tough competition between Jomel Warrican, Noman Ali, and Varun Chakravarthy. Each spinner has made a significant impact in their respective formats, demonstrating skill, composure, and match-winning performances. Whether it’s Warrican’s match-winning efforts in Pakistan, Noman Ali’s historic achievements for Pakistan, or Chakravarthy’s dominance in T20s, all three players have had unforgettable months on the field.
As cricket fans eagerly await the announcement of the winner, one thing is certain – January 2025 will go down in history as a month where spin dominated the cricketing landscape.
