Gudakesh Motie honored as ICC Men’s Player of the Month after stellar performances

Gudakesh Motie has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May, just a day after playing a pivotal role in helping the West Indies secure a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight quarter-finals.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Thursday that the Guyanese left-arm spinner became the second West Indies player to win the Men’s Player of the Month award this year. Fast-bowling compatriot Shamar Joseph claimed the accolade in January following his sensational performance that led to an unforgettable Test win against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Motie faced stiff competition from Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Ireland’s batsman Lorcan Tucker for the prestigious monthly award.

'I am seeing the rewards now'

“It means a lot to me, and I am very happy to win this award,” Motie said in an ICC news release. “It’s very encouraging. I have put in a lot of work during this season, and I am happy that I am seeing the rewards now.”

The 29-year-old spinner has been in exceptional form, continuing his impressive performances during the World Cup. His three wickets on Wednesday played a crucial role in the Caribbean side's 13-run victory against New Zealand at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Trinidad.

“Playing in a World Cup means a lot to me, and playing at home in front of our fans and knowing the conditions is also special,” he said. “We have started strongly, playing three games and getting three wins, and I see us going all the way and lifting that cup on June 29.”

Motie’s success was set up last month when he bagged eight wickets across three T20 Internationals against South Africa, achieving an impressive average of 8.50. His standout performance came in the first game, where he took three for 25, with the third wicket being his favorite.

Turned sharply after landing

He bowled Bjorn Fortuin for a first-ball duck with a delivery that drifted in towards leg-stump, turned sharply after landing, and hit the top of the off-stump. This delivery was similar to the one he used to dismiss New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell on Wednesday, which invigorated the West Indies' defense of their competitive target of 149 on an uneven BLCA pitch before a capacity crowd under the lights.

Motie's exceptional form has been instrumental in the West Indies’ recent successes. Last month, minus several members of their World Cup squad, the West Indies secured a 3-0 victory against South Africa in Kingston. Motie’s figures of three for 25 in the opening contest and three for 22 in the second match were crucial in restricting the visitors and stifling their middle order. Another two wickets in the final match helped turn the tide in favor of the hosts, earning him the Player-of-the-Series prize.

Motie’s recognition as ICC Men’s Player of the Month underscores his significant contributions to the West Indies team and his rising status in international cricket.