Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: Two Indian stars have been shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month award for March 2026, underscoring the country’s dominance during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Joining them in the three-man shortlist is the rising South African batsman, who impressed in the bilateral series.The nominations reflect a month dominated by high-pressure performances, particularly in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, where India successfully defended the title on home soil.
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Fleming explains where CSK lost the match in the last 4 overs World Cup performances dominate the shortlistIndia’s campaign was defined by winning contributions in crunch situations and the two nominees played a key role in sealing the title. One of the nominees, Sanju Samson, scripted a remarkable turnaround as he rose from the sidelines to become the outstanding player of the tournament.After being brought into the game during the Super Eights, the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a stunning run of scores – 97 in a must-win clash, followed by 89 in the semi-finals and final. His tally of 275 runs in three crucial matches at a staggering average of 137.50 and a strike rate close to 200 earned him the Player of the Tournament award.Complementing this batting brilliance was India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who once again proved decisive in knockout cricket. In a high-scoring semi-final, he excelled with tight, pressure-inducing turnovers that turned the game around. He then produced some match-winning magic in the final, taking four wickets while conceding just 15 runs to seal the victory and claim man of the match honours.Over the last three matches of the tournament, Bumrah picked up seven wickets at an exceptional average, cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable players at global events.The South African challenger will impressThe third nominee, Connor Esterhuizen, the young South African batsman, made a convincing showing with a breakthrough T20I series against New Zealand. He amassed 200 runs in five matches, including a maiden fifty and an incredible 75 not out in the decider, helping his side win the series 3–2.With two Player of the Match awards and a rapid rise up the ICC rankings, his performances gave him a competitive edge in the shortlist.The ultimate accolade now hinges on a competition between proven match-winners and up-and-coming talent who have made a big statement on the international stage.
