Sanju Samson shines in ICC T20 World Cup Team of The Tournament, 4 Indians picked; Pakistan Sahibzada Farhan makes cut too

The ICC has officially unveiled its Team of the Tournament for the T20 World Cup 2026, following India’s commanding victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad. The selection highlights India's remarkable turnaround; after a challenging start to the competition, the defending champions found their rhythm during the critical stages to become the first team to win back-to-back titles. This late-tournament surge is reflected in the final XI, which features four Indian stars who were instrumental in the team's historic successful title defense.

ICC T20 WC 2026 team of the tournament out, Samson headlines 4 Indians

Leading the Indian contingent is Sanju Samson, the Player of the Tournament, whose incredible run of 97*, 89, and 89 in the final three games made his inclusion a certainty. He is joined by Ishan Kishan, who provided consistent firepower at the top of the order with an aggregate of 317 runs. The middle-order balance is anchored by Hardik Pandya, whose all-round contributions earned him a spot, while Jasprit Bumrah serves as the inevitable spearhead of the bowling attack following his clinical performances throughout the knockout rounds.

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The selection panel responsible for the lineup consisted of a diverse group of experts, including former cricketers and broadcasters Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, and Eoin Morgan, alongside ICC representative Gaurav Saxena and journalist Rex Clementine. Their task involved weighing individual brilliance against impact, resulting in a side that blends seasoned veterans with the tournament's standout statistical performers.

One of the most notable inclusions outside of the Indian squad is Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, who finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 383 runs, including two centuries. Farhan was selected for the opening slot over New Zealand’s Finn Allen. While Allen was a significant threat with 298 runs at a blistering strike rate of 200, the panel ultimately favored Farhan’s sheer volume of runs and consistency at the top of the order.

South Africa’s run to the semifinals is reflected in the selection of two key players for the honorary XI. Aiden Markram has been appointed as the team’s captain, a nod to his leadership during the Proteas' deep tournament run. He is joined by pacer Lungi Ngidi, who secured a spot in the bowling attack after a series of standout performances that spearheaded South Africa’s charge through the early stages and into the final four.

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England, who also exited at the semifinal stage, are represented by two significant contributors as well. Adil Rashid remains a mainstay as the side's premier spinner, while Will Jacks earned his place following a dominant all-round campaign. Jacks’ ability to impact the game with both bat and ball was so significant that he was widely considered the primary challenger to Sanju Samson for the Player of the Tournament honors.

The final spots in the lineup celebrate standout individual efforts from various cricketing regions. West Indian veteran Jason Holder earned a place after a performance that many viewed as a career renaissance, while Blessing Muzarabani secured a well-deserved nod following a stellar campaign with Zimbabwe. Additionally, the Associate nations are represented by American bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk, who made a historic impact by claiming 13 wickets in only four matches, rounding out a diverse and talent-heavy Team of the Tournament.

ICC's team of the tournament for T20 World Cup 2026

Sahibzada Farhan, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Aiden Markram (c), Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Jason Holder, Jasprit Bumrah, Lungi Ngidi, Adil Rashid, Blessing Muzarabani (12th man – Shadley van Schalkwyk)