The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 concluded with India emerging as champions for a record third time. Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah emerged as match-winners as the hosts defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
The latest edition of the T20 World Cup witnessed several breathtaking performances across venues, with numerous players stepping up on the biggest stage. Let's explore Sport Yaari's Team of the Tournament, which left a mark with some blistering individual performances.
Here's Sports Yaari's Team of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup 2026:
1. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson scripted nothing short of a fairy tale. From not being a regular in the playing XI in the group stages to eventually becoming the Player of the Tournament, Samson’s campaign will be remembered for years.
In just five matches, he piled up 321 runs at a staggering average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. The Indian wicketkeeper batter recorded three consecutive fifties - in the semifinal, the final, and the virtual knockout clash against West Indies.
2. Tim Seifert
Tim Seifert played a crucial role in guiding New Zealand to the final. The Kiwis began their campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai, and Seifert got things off to a match-winning start. He followed it up with several important contributions throughout the event.
Even in the summit clash, he fought hard with a gritty half-century against India. Seifert finished with 326 runs in eight innings at an average of a little over 46 and a strike rate of 166.32.
3. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan made a comeback to the Indian side that will be remembered for ages. After showing sensational form in domestic cricket, the left-handed batter earned a World Cup call and made full use of the opportunity. Kishan played several blistering knocks, including a half-century in the final.
His most memorable innings came against Pakistan on a slow pitch in Colombo, where he smashed 77 off just 40 balls, single-handedly taking on the Pakistan attack and laying the foundation for a massive Indian win. Overall, he scored 317 runs in nine matches at a stunning strike rate of 193.29.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
Suryakumar Yadav became the third Indian captain to lift the coveted world trophy. Although he was dismissed for a golden duck in the final. In the opening match against the United States, when India suffered an early collapse, and even a three-digit score looked difficult, Suryakumar stepped up with an experienced knock of 84 from 49 balls and won the Player of the Match award. Across nine innings, he scored 242 runs, which includes several handy knocks.
5. Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell was one of the standout performers for England. The 22-year-old carried much of the batting responsibility and produced several crucial innings. Bethell scored 280 runs in eight matches, including a magnificent century against India in a high-scoring semifinal clash at Wankhede Stadium.
England eventually fell short by seven runs, but Bethell’s knock was widely praised for the composure he showed against a strong Indian bowling attack.
6. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube proved to be an X factor for India with valuable contributions at key moments. Though not among the top run scorers, his impactful knocks changed games. His 66 off 31 balls against the Netherlands stood out as one of the highlights.
In the semifinal, he smashed 43 from just 25 deliveries, which became the turning point as India crossed the 250-run mark. Dube also played a quick cameo of 26 off eight balls in the final, adding to the fireworks of India’s formidable batting lineup.
7. Will Jacks
Will Jacks enjoyed a remarkable campaign, collecting four Player of the Match awards in a single edition. Batting down the order, he often delivered handy knocks that kept England in the contest. Jacks scored 226 runs in eight innings and frequently acted as the backbone of England’s push towards the semifinal stage.
He was equally effective with the ball, taking nine wickets in seven innings while regularly bowling in the powerplay and providing key breakthroughs.
8. Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy once again showcased his reputation as a mystery spinner. Despite going through a lean patch after the group stages, he finished as the joint highest wicket-taker of the competition with 14 wickets in nine matches. Chakravarthy played a vital role during the group stage matches. His most memorable spell came against Namibia, where he picked up three wickets for just seven runs in two overs.
9. Shadley van Schalkwyk
Shadley van Schalkwyk represents the only associate nation player in this XI and his numbers were extraordinary. Although the United States failed to reach the Super Eights, his performances were among the most eye-catching of the event.
In just four matches, he grabbed 13 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.77. The right-arm pacer played a major role in dismantling the Indian batting lineup in the opening Group A clash and continued troubling batters in the remaining games, highlighting the growing strength of USA cricket.
10. Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi was another fast bowler who impressed with clever variations. Representing South Africa, Ngidi picked up 12 wickets in seven matches at an average slightly above 15. In a tournament filled with high-scoring encounters, he maintained an excellent economy rate of just 7.19, which made his campaign stand out.
11. Jasprit Bumrah
No Team of the Tournament can be complete without Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian pace spearhead finished as the joint highest wicket taker with 14 scalps and an outstanding average of 12.43, along with an economy of 6.21.
His spell in the final against New Zealand was extraordinary. On a flat surface, Bumrah delivered figures of 4 for 15 in four overs, single-handedly dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup and sealing a memorable victory for India.
