India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after playing a decisive role in India’s title-winning campaign. The 31-year-old finished the tournament as India’s leading run-scorer with 321 runs from five innings, becoming only the third Indian to win the award after Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.
Samson’s achievement was even more remarkable given that he was not part of India’s playing XI at the start of the tournament. He was drafted into the side after India’s defeat to South Africa during the Super Eight stage and went on to produce a series of match-winning performances.
His campaign was highlighted by three consecutive half-centuries in the knockout phase. Samson first delivered an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a must-win Super Eight match, guiding India to victory in a tense chase.
He then scored 89 in the semifinal against England and followed it up with another 89 in the final against New Zealand, helping India post a commanding total on the way to lifting the trophy.
Samson also rewrote several records during the tournament. His 24 sixes were the most hit by any player in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.
His 89 in the final became the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, surpassing the previous mark of 85 not out by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and 85 by Kane Williamson in 2021.
With 321 runs, Samson also became the highest-scoring Indian in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, overtaking Kohli’s previous record of 319 runs set in 2014.
His performances placed him in an elite group of players to score half-centuries in both the semifinal and the final of a T20 World Cup. Before Samson, only Shahid Afridi in 2009 and Kohli in 2014 had achieved the feat.
Speaking after receiving the award, Samson described the moment as a dream come true after years of hard work.
“Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions,” Samson said.
He revealed that the journey began after missing out on playing opportunities during previous tournaments.
“When I was in the 2024 World Cup team and didn’t play, I kept visualizing and working hard. This was exactly what I wanted to do,” he said.
Samson also credited Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for guiding him during difficult moments in his career.
“For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. Getting guidance from someone like him — what more can you ask for?” Samson said.