Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah in race for ICC Player of the Month award as ICC names nominees for March

The International Cricket Council on Monday announced the nominees for the ICC Player of the Month Award for March, as Indian stars Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah are in the race for the honour alongside South Africa's Connor Esterhuizen. The ICC also named the monthly nominees in women's cricket, with New Zealand's Melie Kerr, Australia's Beth Mooney and South Africa's Ayabonga Khaka being shortlisted for the honour.

There will be a strong competition between Samson and Bumrah, while Esterhuizen will also present a challenge



for the men's award. Samson was in sensational form in India's last three matches in the T20 World Cup 2026. He scored 97* in a virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies to help India chase down 196 to help the team enter the semis, where he scored 89 against England as the Men in Blue piled up 253/7. 

The wicketkeeper batter was in insane touch in the final too, scoring another 89 against New Zealand as the hosts scored 255/5 and won the World Cup. For his performances, Samson was adjudged the Player of the tournament.