India's Sanju Samson named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026. Samson, who is running riot with the bat for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2026, has been awarded with the top honour for his instrumental role in India’s T20 World Cup title defense, where he was adjudged the Player of the tournament. Despite not starting the tournament in the regular playing XI, Samson seized his opportunity when called up during the Super 8 phase, quickly evolving into one of the team's most impactful performers.

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Sanju Samson grabs ICC Men's Player of the Month award

His journey to the award began with a steady 24 against Zimbabwe, but he truly found his rhythm with a magnificent, unbeaten 97 against the West Indies to secure India’s semi-final berth. He carried that momentum into the knockout stages, dismantling England's bowling attack at Wankhede Stadium with a rapid 89. This high-stakes contribution allowed India to set a formidable total that the opposition ultimately could not chase.

Samson saved one final masterclass for the championship match, where the 31-year-old struck another clinical 89 runs to ensure a commanding victory for India. Throughout three of the most high-pressure matches of the month, he amassed a total of 275 runs. Averaging an incredible 137.50 with a strike rate hovering near 200, Samson’s dominance proved to be the defining factor in India’s quest for global glory.

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“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 teammates and coaching staff that have allowed me to perform at my best,” Samson told ICC.

Amelia Kerr named ICC Women's Player of the Month

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s standout all-rounder Amelia Kerr has been honored as the ICC Women’s Player of the Month. Kerr showcased her dual-threat capability by anchoring the White Ferns' success with both bat and ball, consistently delivering match-winning performances across multiple formats. During the period in question, Kerr was the driving force behind New Zealand's 3-0 ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe. She earned Player of the Series honors by accumulating 176 runs at a strike rate of 78.57, while her leg-spin proved nearly unplayable. She claimed 18 wickets at a lean economy rate of 3.77, highlighted by a career-best haul of 7 for 34 in the second match of the series.

Her dominance extended into the T20I arena during a 4-1 series victory over South Africa. Kerr was once again named Player of the Series, this time for her explosive batting and tactical bowling. She amassed 276 runs at a blistering strike rate of 158.62 and chipped in with six crucial wickets.