The ICC’s Player of the Month award for March created a lot of buzz after Sanju Samson was chosen over Jasprit Bumrah, despite both players delivering outstanding performances in India’s T20 World Cup campaign. So, what tilted the decision in Samson’s favor?

The biggest reason was Samson’s impact with the bat in crucial matches. He scored 321 runs in just five matches at an impressive average of 80.2. More importantly, his performances came when the team needed them the most—he delivered match-winning half-centuries in both the semi-final and the final. These high-pressure contributions played a key role in India lifting the trophy.

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was equally exceptional with the ball. He picked up 14 wickets in eight matches and maintained a brilliant economy rate of 6.21. He even won the Player of the Match award in the final, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. However, bowlers sometimes get slightly less spotlight in such awards when compared to decisive batting performances in knockout games.

In simple terms, while Bumrah was consistent and world-class throughout the tournament, Samson’s performances were more visibly match-defining, especially in the biggest moments. That likely gave him the edge in the ICC’s selection process.

Samson himself called the award an honor and described winning the T20 World Cup as the most special moment of his career, crediting the team management for trusting him.

So, it wasn’t about Bumrah underperforming—it was about Samson delivering standout performances exactly when it mattered the most.