ICC nominates Bumrah Samson: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the curtain on the nominees for the ICC Player of the Month award for March 2026. Notably, Indian cricket team’s Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah have been nominated for the same, owing to their match-winning performances during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
In the men’s category, the duo has been joined by South Africa’s cricket icon Connon Esterhuizen, who impressed in his debut T20 International series against New Zealand.
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ICC logo[/caption]
Samson’s dream run powers India to victory
Samson emerged as India’s standout performer in the latter stages of the T20 World Cup 2026, playing a pivotal role in sealing a second consecutive T20 World Cup title. After limited opportunities early on, he left a dramatic impact with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a crucial Super Eight clash. Furthermore, he followed it up with back-to-back scores of 89 in the semi-final played against England and the final against New Zealand, displaying remarkable consistency under pressure. He was conferred with the coveted Player of the Tournament honour for the splendid performances. [caption id="attachment_2387" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Samson delivering during a T20 WC 2026 match[/caption]
Bumrah delivers when it matters the most
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was equally instrumental, whose clinical spells turned the tide in India’s favour during crucial matches. Across three crucial fixtures, he clinched seven wickets at an impressive average of 12.00.
He reserved his best for the final, delivering a match-winning spell of 4/15 against New Zealand, to be eventually crowned as the Player of the Match award. His efforts were central to India becoming the first team to defend a T20 World Cup title and clinch a third crown overall.
ICC nominates Bumrah Samson: Esterhuizen’s breakthrough series
Connor Esterhuizen enjoyed a sensational start to his international career. The right-handed batter garnered 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate nearing 146 in a five-match series in New Zealand. His contributions were key to South Africa’s 3-2 series victory, earning him the Player of the Series award and propelling him up the ICC T20I Batting rankings.
ICC announces women’s category too
In the women’s category, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, Australia’s Beth Mooney and South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka have been shortlisted following consistent performances across formats.
Also read: IPL 2026: SRH All-rounder Abhishek Sharma rebuked, fined by BCCI for breaching code of conduct during match against KKR