India’s Stars Shine in ICC Men’s Player of the Month Shortlist
India’s Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March, following their standout performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Their contributions were crucial in high-stakes matches, making them strong contenders for the monthly honor awarded by the International Cricket Council.
Samson, who was brought into the tournament later in the competition, delivered three consecutive match-defining innings. He remained unbeaten on 97 against the West Indies in Kolkata, followed by scores of 89 in both the semi-final against England in Mumbai and the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. His consistency under pressure was a key factor in India’s success.
Bumrah, on the other hand, made a significant impact with the ball. He took seven wickets across the same phase at an impressive average of 12, including a vital 4/15 in the final. His performance in the final directly influenced the outcome of the match, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters most.
South Africa’s Connor Esterhuizen completes the men’s shortlist after a consistent run in a 3-2 series win in New Zealand. He scored 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 145.98, earning Player of the Series recognition and moving up to 39th in the ICC T20I batting rankings.
Women’s Nominees Highlight All-Round Impact
In the women’s category, Amelia Kerr, Beth Mooney, and Ayabonga Khaka have been nominated based on their multi-format performances throughout March.
Amelia Kerr had an outstanding month, scoring 176 runs and taking 18 wickets in ODIs, highlighted by figures of 7/34 against Zimbabwe. She also contributed 276 runs and six wickets in T20Is as New Zealand secured series wins. Her all-round performance was instrumental in her team’s success.
Beth Mooney maintained her consistency across formats, scoring an unbeaten 106 against India and following it up with a 79 against the West Indies. Her ability to perform in different conditions and formats has made her a key player for her team.
Ayabonga Khaka led South Africa’s bowling unit with eight wickets in a T20I series in New Zealand and added a remarkable 6/56 performance in an ODI in Christchurch. Her contributions were vital in securing important victories for her team.
Selection Process Combines Expert and Public Voting
The selection process for the ICC Player of the Month involves a combination of expert and public voting. Nominees are identified based on performances recorded between the first and last day of the month. The final outcome is determined through a weighted system overseen by the ICC.
An independent voting academy contributes 90 per cent of the result, with members including former players, broadcasters, and journalists. The remaining 10 per cent is decided through fan voting conducted on the ICC’s official digital platforms. This ensures that both expert opinions and fan support play a role in determining the winner.
Results are typically announced in the second week of the following month, maintaining a fixed evaluation cycle without deviation. This structured approach ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process.
Key Details of the Award
- Eligibility: Players must have performed consistently in matches held during the month.
- Voting Method: A mix of expert opinion and fan votes.
- Announcement: Results are usually released in the second week of the following month.
- Impact: The award recognizes not only individual performances but also contributions to team success.
This month’s nominations highlight the talent and dedication of players from around the world, showcasing the competitive nature of international cricket. Whether through batting, bowling, or all-round performances, these athletes have made a lasting impact on the game.
