India’s Finest: Samson and Bumrah headline ICC Player of the Month shortlist

MUMBAI: Despite the initial disappointment in the IPL, Malayali star Sanju Samson has given fans a reason to celebrate. The ICC has announced that Samson is included in the ICC Player of the Month shortlist for March 2026. His inclusion follows a brilliant performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Joining him on the shortlist are Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa’s rising star Connor Esterhuizen.

Although Samson started the tournament on the bench, his performance from the Super 8s onwards was extraordinary. His batting excellence was first highlighted by a masterful, unbeaten 97 runs against the West Indies in the Super 8 match in Kolkata. He then became India’s saviour, scoring 89 runs in the semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium and another 89 runs in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. These efforts earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.

Jasprit Bumrah, who worked magic with the ball in those same matches, claimed seven wickets across the semi-final and final. Maintaining an economy rate of 7.00 and an average of 12.00, Bumrah’s performance was just as vital as Samson’s batting in securing India’s title. His consistency and low economy rate have solidified his reputation as the most reliable bowler in world cricket.

Connor Esterhuizen, who made his international debut in the T20 series against New Zealand in March, has quickly earned a reputation as South Africa's newest star. Throughout the series, he scored 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 145.98, earning the Player of the Series award. His meteoric rise to 39th place in the ICC T20 Rankings after just five matches has stunned the cricketing world.