Contenders for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for November 2023 unveiled

In a month packed with brilliant cricket performances, the race for the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for November 2023 is heating up. Among the contenders are two World Cup-winning Australians, Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, alongside the Indian fast-bowling maestro, Mohammed Shami, who was one of the main reasons behind India's brilliance in the marquee event.

Travis Head, the Australian batting sensation, has made a remarkable comeback after a prolonged injury hiatus. Displaying his prowess in the ODIs against New Zealand, he scored 220 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 44. Head's standout performances in the World Cup semi-final and final were instrumental in Australia clinching their sixth trophy.

In the semi-final clash against South Africa, Head not only shone with the bat but also made a pivotal impact with the ball, derailing the Proteas' innings rebuild by claiming two crucial wickets. His sensational knock of 137 from 120 balls in the final against India played a pivotal role in Australia's victory, rescuing them from a precarious position at 47/3.

Another Australian who shocked everyone in the marquee event with his performances is Glenn Maxwell. Despite a setback that kept him out of a World Cup match, Maxwell returned in style against Afghanistan. His stellar performance included a record-breaking double century – the first by an Australian in Men's ODIs and the second-fastest double ton ever. Maxwell's brilliant display of power hitting, with 21 fours and 10 sixes, showcased his prowess as a true all-rounder.

Maxwell's heroics extended into the T20I series against India, where he played a pivotal role in Australia's victory in the third T20I with a sensational hundred. His unbeaten 104* off 48 balls, featuring eight fours and eight sixes, proved to be the difference in chasing down India's imposing total of 223.

India pacer Mohammed Shami ruled the bowling roost during ODI World Cup

On the Indian front, the fiery Indian pacer Mohammed Shami emerged as a standout performer in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. The fast-bowling veteran finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, with an impressive tally of 24 wickets from just seven innings. His standout moment came in the semi-final against New Zealand, where Shami's lethal bowling effort of 7/57, played a crucial role in India's victory.

Shami's consistent performances included a stellar 5/18 against Sri Lanka, turning the tide in India's favour in a high-scoring encounter. His disciplined 2/18 was pivotal in the demolition of South Africa at Eden Gardens, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.