Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Two Indian stars have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2026, underlining the country’s dominance during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Joining them in the three-man shortlist is a rising South African batter who impressed in a 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 their title on home soil.World Cup performances dominate shortlistIndia’s campaign was defined by match-winning contributions in crunch situations, and the two nominees played pivotal roles in sealing the title. One of the nominees, Sanju Samson scripted a remarkable turnaround, going from the sidelines to becoming the tournament’s standout performer.Once included during the Super Eights, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a stunning run of scores — 97 in a must-win clash, followed by back-to-back 89s in the semifinal and final. His tally of 275 runs in three crucial matches came at a staggering average of 137.50 and a strike rate nearing 200, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.Complementing that batting brilliance was India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who once again proved decisive in knockout cricket. In a high-scoring semifinal, he stood out with tight, pressure-building overs that turned the game. He then delivered a match-winning spell in the final, claiming four wickets while conceding just 15 runs to seal victory and earn the Player of the Match honour.Across the last three matches of the tournament, Bumrah picked up seven wickets at an exceptional average, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable performers in global events.South African challenger impressesThe third nominee, Connor Esterhuizen, a young South African batter, made a strong case with a breakthrough T20I series against New Zealand. He amassed 200 runs in five matches, including a maiden fifty and a blistering unbeaten 75 in the decider, helping his side clinch a 3-2 series win.With two Player of the Match awards and a rapid rise in the ICC rankings, his performances ensured a competitive edge to the shortlist.The final award now hinges on a contest between proven match-winners and an emerging talent who made a big statement on the international stage.
