The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 concluded with a historic triumph for India, and it was no surprise to see several Indian stars rewarded in the Team of the Tournament. Four members of the title-winning squad earned spots in the elite XI, reflecting the depth and dominance of India’s campaign on home soil. Leading the Indian contingent is Sanju Samson, who was also named the Player of the Tournament after a sensational run with the bat.
Sanju Samson amassed 321 runs from just five innings, playing a decisive role in India’s title-winning journey. Interestingly, the Kerala batter began the tournament outside the playing XI but quickly turned the narrative around. Once given an opportunity, Samson delivered match-winning performances against the West Indies and England before producing the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final — a stunning 89 against New Zealand.
Joining Samson in the Team of the Tournament are fellow Indian stars Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, each of whom played a crucial role in India lifting their third T20 World Cup title.
Kishan emerged as one of the most consistent batters of the tournament. The aggressive left-hander scored 317 runs — the fourth-highest tally in the competition — at a blistering strike rate of 193.29. He initially opened the innings and delivered a superb 77 against Pakistan before later shifting to the No.3 role. Kishan continued to anchor the batting lineup with key contributions against England and New Zealand, including an important half-century in the final.
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Pandya’s presence in the side highlights his value as a genuine all-rounder. The dynamic cricketer scored two half-centuries during the tournament and also made vital contributions with the ball. His explosive 52 off 28 balls against Namibia showcased his finishing ability, while his nine wickets across the tournament underlined his effectiveness as a seam-bowling option.
Meanwhile, Bumrah once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best bowlers in world cricket. The pace spearhead finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets from eight matches, alongside Varun Chakravarthy. Bumrah’s crowning moment came in the final against New Zealand, where he produced a match-defining spell of 4/15 and earned the Player of the Match award. His impressive economy rate of 6.21 throughout the tournament further demonstrated his control and consistency.
ICC Team of the Tournament
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Beyond India’s dominance, the Team of the Tournament also features standout performers from other nations. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan topped the run charts with 383 runs, including two centuries. South Africa captain Aiden Markram was named captain of the XI after leading his side to the semi-finals, while teammate Lungi Ngidi impressed with 12 wickets.
England all-rounder Will Jacks and spinner Adil Rashid also earned spots after strong campaigns. The lineup is further strengthened by Jason Holder, Blessing Muzarabani, and USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk, who was named the 12th player.
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The selection panel — featuring broadcasters Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, Eoin Morgan, along with ICC representative Gaurav Saxena and journalist Rex Clementine — recognised players who consistently influenced matches throughout the tournament. For India, having four players in the Team of the Tournament perfectly captures the story of their dominant T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament: Sahibzada Farhan, Sanju Sansom (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Aiden Markram (captain), Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Jason Holder, Jasprit Bumrah, Lungi Ngidi, Adil Rashid, Blessing Muzarabani, Shadley van Schalkwyk (12th man)
