- By Namrata Vijay
- Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
T20 World Cup 2026: Star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is the only Indian nominated for Player of the Tournament, a category dominated by New Zealand and South African players. Although Varun Chakravarthy is India's joint-highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.85, Samson's impact with the bat has earned ICC recognition for influencing India's journey to the final.
Samson delivered consecutive match-winning performances, first in the virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies and then against Harry Brook’s side in Mumbai. The final is set for Ahmedabad, where he is expected to excel again.
Other nominees are England's Will Jacks, Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan, South Africa's Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert, and USA's Shadley van Schalkwyk.
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Jack played a crucial role in England’s six wins out of eight matches, earning four Player of the Match awards, including strong Super 8s performances against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Pakistan’s opener, Sahibzada Farhan, scored 383 runs in six matches, becoming the tournament’s highest run-getter despite the team's otherwise forgettable performance.
South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi led their fast bowling attack and was one of their most consistent bowlers in the tournament.
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South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram played a key role, scoring three fifties in eight matches during the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra contributed as a bowler, helping his team win key matches.
Despite the USA’s group stage exit, Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed with 13 wickets in four matches at a top economy rate, making him the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.