Kamindu Mendis crowned ICC men's player of the month for september
Mendis, still in the early stages of his career, is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in international cricket and is undoubtedly a key player for Sri Lanka’s future.
Sri Lankan batting sensation Kamindu Mendis has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for September, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday.
Mendis delivered a string of impressive performances across four Tests, amassing 451 runs at an exceptional average of 90.20. His contributions helped Sri Lanka to a consolation win at The Oval in England, followed by a remarkable series triumph against New Zealand on home soil. During this period, Mendis also notched up two centuries.
According to the ICC's statement, "A rising Sri Lankan Test star has become the first player to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award twice in 2024. Kamindu Mendis outshone strong competition from teammate Prabath Jayasuriya and Australia's Travis Head to claim the monthly accolade, adding to the honour he first achieved in March this year."
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Mendis expressed his joy at receiving the award for the second time in 2024 and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing his stellar form. "I am honoured to once again be chosen as the ICC Men's Player of the Month. This accolade brings me immense happiness and pride, as I feel the hard work that has gone into my career is being recognised on the global stage," Mendis said, as quoted by the ICC.
"This recognition motivates me to keep improving, helping my team win matches and bring glory to our country and joy to our fans," he added.
Mendis has been rewriting the record books with his exceptional form. During September, he became the first men's player in history to pass fifty in each of his first eight Test matches. Additionally, he matched the legendary Don Bradman by becoming the fastest player in 75 years to reach 1,000 Test runs, achieving the feat in just eight Tests and 13 innings.
His most significant score of the month came in the second Test against New Zealand, where he struck a commanding 182 in Sri Lanka's imposing first-innings total of 602/5 declared. This innings laid the foundation for a convincing victory. However, his 114 in the first innings of the first Test of the same series may have been even more crucial. Sri Lanka had been in a precarious position at 88/3, with Angelo Mathews forced to retire hurt, but Mendis steadied the innings with a century that ultimately led his side to a narrow 63-run win. No other player in the match reached three figures.
In just eight Tests so far, Kamindu Mendis has scored 1,004 runs at an extraordinary average of 91.27, including five centuries and four fifties in 13 innings. His highest score remains 182.
