ICC Nominates Samson, Bumrah, Esterhuizen for March Award

The International Cricket Council announced the nominees for the Men's Player of the Month award for March 2026 on Monday, highlighting standout performances from India's Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah during their T20 World Cup triumph, alongside South Africa's Connor Esterhuizen for his debut international exploits.

Samson, a wicketkeeper-batsman, emerged as a pivotal figure in India's successful defense of the T20 World Cup title on home soil. Initially on the sidelines, he entered the playing XI for the Super Eights stage and delivered match-defining innings in the knockout phase. In a must-win Super Eights clash against West Indies in Kolkata, he scored an unbeaten 97, anchoring India's total. He followed with 89 runs each in the semifinal against England in Mumbai and the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, helping secure the victory on March 8. Across these three matches, Samson amassed 275 runs at an average of 137.50 and a strike rate of 199.27, earning the Player of the Tournament award, back-to-back Player of the Match honors, and a spot in the top 20 of the ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings.

Bumrah, India's lead fast bowler, complemented Samson's batting with...