Sanju Samson wins ICC Player of the Month after T20 World Cup Heroics

India's opener Sanju Samson earned the ICC Player of the Month award for his decisive contributions at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, while New Zealand's all-rounder Amelia Kerr secured her third women's honor through steady showings in ODIs and T20Is during March.

Samson edged out teammate Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa's Connor Esterhuizen, as Kerr surpassed Australia's Beth Mooney and South Africa's Ayabonga Khaka.

Named Player of the Tournament, Samson delivered under pressure with crucial innings in the virtual quarterfinal versus West Indies in Kolkata, plus the semifinal and final. After his unbeaten 97 against West Indies, he scored 89 each against England in Mumbai's semifinal and New Zealand in Ahmedabad's final, powering India to

retain the title-the first team to do so and win it on home soil.

Sanju Samson: "Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling, especially as it comes during what has been the most unforgettable phase of my cricketing journey. Playing a part in India's triumph at the Men's T20 World Cup was truly a dream realised, and it took some time for the magnitude of that moment to fully sink in.

"This is an exciting era for Indian cricket, with immense talent across the board. I feel grateful for the opportunities I've received, and for the trust and support from my team-mates and coaching staff that have allowed me to perform at my best. "

Amelia Kerr shone with bat and ball, scoring 176 runs at a strike rate of 78.57 across four ODIs and claiming 18 wickets at an economy of 3.77. She starred in New Zealand's 3-0 ODI sweep over Zimbabwe, earning Player of the Series with a standout 7/34 in the second game. In T20Is, her 276 runs at 158.62 strike rate and six wickets earned her another Player of the Series award in a 4-1 victory against South Africa. Kerr previously won in February 2022 and October 2024.

Amelia Kerr: "It's been a special month for the White Ferns. "

"It's always nice to be able to contribute to wins for your country but seeing the way the whole team has played, the selflessness and the belief is what has been the highlight for me this past month. "