Sanju Samson has become one of India’s standout performers in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He has scored 232 runs so far and is now the third-highest run-scorer for India in the tournament. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter did not start India’s campaign in the playing XI. However, he turned the tournament into a memorable one with crucial performances. His unbeaten 97 against the West Indies and his 89 in the semi-final against England highlighted his strong impact.
Samson missed the initial group stage matches after struggling for form in the previous series against New Zealand. He made his first appearance against Namibia in New Delhi after Abhishek Sharma suffered a stomach infection. The team management later brought Samson back during the Super 8 stage. Off-spinners had begun troubling Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, so the team looked for a new option.
Samson quickly found his rhythm after returning to the side. He started scoring freely and played several match-winning innings. His consistent performances earned him a place on the shortlist for the Player of the Tournament award. Notably, Samson is the only Indian player on the nominations list announced by the International Cricket Council.
Sanju Samson Only Indian Shortlisted for Player of the Tournament at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
The other contenders include Will Jacks from England, Sahibzada Farhan from Pakistan, and South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram. The list also features New Zealand players Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert, along with USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk. The ICC released the shortlist shortly after India defeated England by seven runs in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
During the semi-final, England captain Harry Brook dropped Samson when he was on 15. Samson made England pay for that mistake. He smashed 89 runs off just 42 balls and hit seven sixes. He has now hit 16 sixes in the tournament and broken Rohit Sharma’s record for the most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will face New Zealand in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8.
Also Read: C.V. Ananda Bose Resigns Ahead of Bengal Polls