The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026, highlighting the standout performers from the high-octane conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The nominees feature an Indian duo of Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside South Africa’s rising star Connor Esterhuizen, all of whom played pivotal roles in their respective teams' campaigns during a month dominated by elite international cricket
VOTE NOW FOR ICC MEN'S PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Sanju Samson’s inclusion comes on the back of a fairytale run that saw him transform from a bench player to the tournament's most impactful batter. Despite missing the early stages of the World Cup, Samson seized his opportunity during the Super Eight stage with a match-winning 97 not out against the West Indies. He maintained this extraordinary form by scoring consecutive scores of 89 in both the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand, ultimately leading India to a successful title defense. With 275 runs in the month at a staggering strike rate of nearly 200 and an average of 137.50, Samson was also rightfully named the Player of the Tournament.
Joining his teammate on the shortlist is Jasprit Bumrah, whose bowling masterclass was instrumental in India’s path to glory. Bumrah’s ability to remain economical under immense pressure was a recurring theme throughout March. His most significant contribution came in the World Cup final, where he dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup to finish with remarkable figures of 4 for 15. This performance earned him the Player of the Match award in the final and solidified his reputation as the world's premier fast bowler in the shortest format of the game.
The final nominee, Connor Esterhuizen, represents the next generation of South African batting talent. Making his international debut during the T20I series against New Zealand, Esterhuizen showed no signs of nerves as he amassed 200 runs across five matches. His campaign was highlighted by a consistent scoring rate and a particularly aggressive 57 off 33 balls in the fourth T20I, which earned him a Player of the Match accolade. These three cricketers have set a high benchmark for excellence, and the winner will be determined through a combination of a specialist panel and public fan voting.
READ: Stokes: A "Great Opportunity" for England’s Next Generation
