Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah Nominated for ICC Player of the Month Award

Exciting Nominees for ICC Player of the Month

On Monday, Indian opener Sanju Samson and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah were announced as nominees for the ICC Player of the Month award for March, following their impressive performances at the T20 World Cup.

Completing the shortlist is South African batter Connor Esterhuizen, who made a remarkable debut in T20I cricket during a series in New Zealand, showcasing one of the best records for a newcomer from his nation after five matches.

Samson's exceptional form towards the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, which earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade, places him alongside Bumrah, who was recognized as the Player of the Match in the final.

Although Samson did not participate in the tournament's initial stages, he emerged as a key player in crucial matches, aiding India in securing the championship.

He scored an impressive 97 not out against the West Indies in a must-win quarter-final in Kolkata, followed by scores of 89 in both the semi-final against England in Mumbai and the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

During the same matches, Bumrah claimed seven wickets with an average of 12.00 and an economy rate of 7.00.

He took three wickets across the matches against the West Indies and England, and delivered a standout performance in the final, achieving figures of four wickets for 15 runs in four overs against New Zealand.

Esterhuizen contributed significantly with 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 145.98, playing a vital role in securing a 3-2 series victory in New Zealand.

He was named Player of the Series and achieved 551 rating points in the T20I batting rankings, marking the second-highest score for a South African player after five matches. Esterhuizen currently ranks 39th, the fourth-best position for any South African after their first five matches.