The mud has lastly settled on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the place on March 8, 2026, cricket witnessed a historic climax. In a high-octane T20 World Cup Final, India confronted off in opposition to a resilient New Zealand facet. Whereas the staff battle was fierce, the person brilliance of Sanju Samson stood tallest. By anchoring the highest order and delivering clutch performances all through the knockout phases, Samson was formally topped the Participant of the Match, becoming a member of a pantheon of legends who’ve outlined T20 historical past.
Every version of the T20 World Cup has been outlined by a particular archetype: typically it was the power-hitter, different instances the thriller spinner, and sometimes, the clutch finisher. Right here is the elite checklist of cricketers who rose above the remainder.
Full checklist of T20 World Cup Participant of the Match winners
- 2007: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
The ‘Lala’ of world cricket was on the peak of his all-round powers in South Africa. Whereas India received the inaugural trophy, Shahid Afridi was the heartbeat of the match. He claimed 12 wickets together with his fast leg-spin and chipped in with 91 runs. His capability to squeeze the run price within the center overs set the template for contemporary T20 bowling.
- 2009: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
The 2009 version in England belonged to the person who invented the ‘Dilscoop.’ Tillakaratne Dilshan was a drive of nature on the prime of the order, ending because the main run-scorer with 317 runs in 7 matches. His aggressive intent within the powerplay revolutionized how openers approached the primary six overs.
- 2010: Kevin Pietersen (England)
England’s first-ever ICC trophy win was fueled by the genius of Kevin Pietersen. “KP” was the one batter who gave the impression to be enjoying on a unique floor than everybody else within the Caribbean. He amassed 248 runs in 6 matches, enjoying a pivotal position within the remaining in opposition to Australia to safe his legacy.
- 2012: Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson’s 2012 marketing campaign stays maybe probably the most statistically dominant all-round efficiency in historical past. He completed as the highest run-getter with 249 runs and the second-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets. Although Australia didn’t win, Watson was the undisputed MVP.
Additionally READ: From Anushka Sharma to Anil Kapoor: Bollywood stars go gaga in jubilation as India lifts back-to-back T20 World Cup titles
- 2014 & 2016: Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli’s back-to-back awards cemented his standing as a T20 grasp. In 2014, he scored a record-breaking 319 runs (Avg: 106.33). In 2016, on house soil, he was much more clutch, scoring 273 runs (Avg: 136.50). His capability to chase underneath stress stays the gold customary of the format.
- 2021: David Warner (Australia)
Heading into 2021, David Warner was written off by many. He responded by smashing 289 runs, main Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title. It was a masterclass in resilience and high-impact batting.
- 2022: Sam Curran (England)
Sam Curran turned the primary specialist quick bowler to win the award. His 13 wickets at an unimaginable financial system price, together with a 3-wicket haul within the remaining, proved that death-overs intelligence is the last word foreign money.
- 2024: Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah’s efficiency in 2024 was historic. He took 15 wickets with an unheard-of financial system of 4.17. His spell within the remaining in opposition to South Africa turned a near-certain defeat right into a legendary victory.
- 2026: Sanju Samson (India)
The crowning of Samson in Ahmedabad was the end result of a match the place he lastly translated his immense expertise into historic consistency. Over 5 innings, Samson amassed 321 runs, surpassing Kohli’s 2014 document for probably the most runs in a single version. He maintained a staggering common of 80.25 and a strike price of 199, proving to be India’s final batter within the prime order. His crowning second got here within the semi-final and remaining, the place he struck back-to-back fifties, together with a whirlwind 89 off 45 balls in opposition to New Zealand to seal the title and making him the undisputed alternative for the 2026 Participant of the Match.
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Awards: Full list of winners – From Jasprit Bumrah to Sanju Samson
