10 March,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Rohan Koli
Sanju Samson, Will Jacks, Rachin Ravindra, Jasprit Bumrah, Lungi Ngidi and Suryakumar Yadav
Sanju Samson was the definitive comeback story of the tournament. Benched early on, the stylish wicketkeeper-batter roared back when it mattered most, producing match-winning knocks in the last three must-win games. With fearless strokeplay, he shattered several records en route the Player of the Tournament award.
Aiden Markram led South Africa brilliantly as captain and top-order batter, amassing 286 runs at a strike-rate of 165.31 to finish as his team's highest scorer, with three half-centuries. His record-breaking 19-ball half-century helped his team chase 176 vs NZ with nearly three overs to spare.
Ishan Kishan was the backbone of India's batting with his consistency. Opening the innings, he was lethal in the Powerplay early in the tournament, most notably with his 77 off 40 balls vs Pakistan. Later, moving to No. 3, he hammered 39 off 18 balls to keep the pressure on England in the semi-final before smashing a quickfire 25-ball 54 in the final as India piled on 255-5.
Suryakumar Yadav's bat didn't produce the usual fireworks late in the tournament, but his captaincy proved pivotal in India's title defence. The skipper impressed with his calm presence and tactical calls. His intelligent bowling rotations stood out in the semi-final against England where he brought back Jasprit Bumrah for the 16th and 18th overs and trusted Hardik Pandya with the 19th to regain control of the game.
Rachin Ravindra emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. While his batting ability was never in doubt, he stunningly emerged as one of New Zealand's most effective bowlers. His 4-27 and 32 helped derail hosts Sri Lanka's campaign, while a 2-29 spell, including the prized wickets of skipper Markram and David Miller, ended the Proteas's dream run in the semi-finals.
Shivam Dube was India's quiet game-changer, producing a series of impactful cameos. Whether batting at No. 4 or No. 7, he kept the run flow moving with a strike-rate of 169.06. Apart from his 66 off 31 balls against the Netherlands, his most telling moment came in a must-win game against WI, where two boundaries in the 19th over eased the pressure off Samson.
Will Jacks emerged as a valuable all-rounder for England. Batting at No. 7 and No. 8, he smashed 226 runs in eight games at a strike-rate of 176.56, while averaging 56.50. He also claimed nine scalps. His tactical value was on full display against India in the semi-final, where he dismissed dangerous openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
Hardik Pandya delivered crucial performances with both bat and ball. His presence allowed India to play an extra bowler, knowing he could finish games with the bat and chip in with key wickets. Striking at over 160 with the bat, he also provided early breakthroughs, including dismissing the tournament's highest run-scorer, Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan, for a duck in the opening over.
Axar Patel was a silent hero for India in the knockouts, excelling with the ball and in the field. He produced a fielding masterclass in the semi-final against England. He first grabbed a stunner, running 24 metres backwards to send back England skipper Harry Brook, before executing an extraordinary relay catch with Dube to dismiss Will Jacks. In the final, he delivered a crucial spell of 3-27, including the wickets of opener Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips.
Jasprit Bumrah, hailed as a "national treasure" by Suryakumar, once again delivered in high-pressure moments. Maintaining a phenomenal economy rate of 6.21 - the best among bowlers who played more than four matches - Bumrah conceded just 14 runs in his last two overs in the semi-
final against England to pull India back into the contest, before producing his career-best Player-of-the-Match spell (4-15) in the final.
Lungi Ngidi proved lethal with his masterful changes of pace. His signature slower balls in the Powerplay and death overs helped the Proteas restrict the opposition from posting big totals. His standout performances included 4-31 against Canada and vital spells of 3-26 and 3-30 against Afghanistan and West Indies, respectively.
