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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday unveiled the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026, with India’s star duo Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson joined by South Africa’s emerging wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen.
The shortlist reflects standout performances during a high-stakes month of T20 cricket, headlined by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Sanju Samson emerged as one of the biggest stories of the tournament, turning his late inclusion into a dream run.
The right-hander delivered under pressure with an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win Super Eight clash, before producing back-to-back 89s in the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand.
His remarkable consistency not only powered India to a successful title defence but also earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Across three matches in March, Samson piled up 275 runs at an astonishing average of 137.50, coupled with a strike rate nearing 200, underlining his dominance on the biggest stage.
Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, once again proved why he is regarded as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket. The pace spearhead played a decisive role in India’s title-winning campaign, delivering crucial spells in the knockout stages.
He struck twice against the West Indies in the Super Eight, including the key wicket of Shimron Hetmyer, before producing a disciplined outing in the semi-final against England, where he stood out in a high-scoring contest.
Bumrah then delivered a match-winning performance in the final, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs against New Zealand to seal the trophy and earn Player of the Match honours.
Completing the trio is Connor Esterhuizen, who enjoyed a breakthrough month in international cricket. The Proteas batter impressed in his debut T20I series against New Zealand, amassing 200 runs in five matches at an average of 50.
After starting with an unbeaten 45, he registered his maiden T20I half-century with a 57 off 33 deliveries.
He capped off the series with a blistering 75 in the decider, guiding South Africa to a 3-2 series victory and earning multiple Player of the Match awards.
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