The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ended in spectacular fashion when India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to lift the trophy. The tournament delivered thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and standout players from across the cricketing world.

After the dust settled, ESPNcricinfo put together its Team of the Tournament, recognizing the players who made the biggest impact throughout the competition. Unsurprisingly, India dominate the XI with five players, but several stars from other nations also earned their place thanks to remarkable performances.

Here’s a closer look at the players who made the cut.

---

Also read this India Crush New Zealand to Win T20 World Cup

Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)

Matches: 5
Runs: 321
Strike Rate: 199.37
Average: 80.25
Half-centuries: 3

Sanju Samson’s T20 World Cup tournament story is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite beginning the campaign on the bench, he eventually emerged as the Player of the Tournament after a stunning run in the knockout stage.

Playing only five matches, Samson delivered three brilliant half-centuries and smashed 24 sixes, the most in a single T20 World Cup edition. His aggressive yet controlled batting changed games and played a huge role in India’s title-winning run.

---

Aiden Markram (Captain)

Matches: 8
Runs: 286
Strike Rate: 165.31
Average: 47.66
Half-centuries: 3

Selecting the second opener wasn’t easy, but Aiden Markram stood out with both consistency and leadership. He scored freely in the powerplay, striking at around 180 during the early overs, while also anchoring innings when required.

Under his captaincy, South Africa remained unbeaten until the knockout stage, highlighting his ability to guide the team effectively in high-pressure matches.

---

Ishan Kishan

Matches: 9
Runs: 317
Strike Rate: 193.29
Average: 35.22
Half-centuries: 3

Ishan Kishan was one of the most explosive batters in the tournament. He began as an opener and made an immediate impact with aggressive half-centuries against Namibia and Pakistan.

Later, he moved to No. 3 and continued to deliver big moments, including a crucial innings in the final. Kishan dominated both pace and spin bowling, maintaining an impressive strike rate throughout the middle overs.

---

Shimron Hetmyer

Matches: 7
Runs: 248
Strike Rate: 186.46
Average: 41.33
Half-centuries: 2

Shimron Hetmyer was West Indies’ most reliable middle-order performer. His aggressive approach against spin stood out, as he smashed 15 sixes against spinners, the most by any batter in the tournament.

Some of his key innings came during challenging situations, helping West Indies recover from early setbacks and stay competitive in several games.

---

Shivam Dube

Matches: 8
Runs: 235
Strike Rate: 169.06
Average: 39.16
Wickets: 5

Shivam Dube played several crucial innings under pressure. Whether it was a quick 27 against Pakistan after India lost wickets in quick succession or a powerful 66 off 31 balls against the Netherlands, Dube consistently stepped up when his team needed him most.

His ability to accelerate the scoring and contribute with the ball added valuable balance to India’s lineup.

---

Hardik Pandya

Matches: 9
Runs: 217
Strike Rate: 160.74
Wickets: 9
Economy: 8.81

Hardik Pandya once again proved why he is one of the most valuable all-rounders in T20 cricket. He contributed significantly with both bat and ball.

Pandya bowled crucial overs at the death while also finishing innings strongly with the bat. In the semifinal, he scored 27 off 12 balls before picking up two wickets, helping India maintain control against England.

---

Will Jacks

Matches: 8
Runs: 226
Strike Rate: 176.56
Average: 56.50
Wickets: 9

England’s Will Jacks delivered an impressive all-round performance throughout the tournament. His ability to finish innings with quick runs proved vital for England in several matches.

Alongside his batting, his off-spin bowling produced important breakthroughs, including a standout 3 for 22 against Sri Lanka.

---

Jason Holder

Matches: 7
Wickets: 10
Economy: 8.86
Runs: 141

Jason Holder’s contributions came in both departments. He delivered important spells in the group stage, including standout performances against Scotland and Nepal.

With the bat, he often stepped up against stronger teams, producing valuable cameos that kept West Indies competitive in key games.

---

Adil Rashid

Matches: 8
Wickets: 13
Economy: 8.15

Adil Rashid was the standout specialist spinner in the tournament. His variations and control made him difficult to score against, especially in the middle overs.

One of his best spells came against West Indies when he picked up 2 wickets for 16 runs, slowing down a dangerous batting lineup.

---

Jasprit Bumrah

Matches: 8
Wickets: 14
Economy: 6.21
Average: 12.42

Jasprit Bumrah once again proved why he is considered one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Whether it was the powerplay, middle overs, or the death, Bumrah maintained exceptional control.

His ability to mix pace, especially his deceptive slower balls, made life extremely difficult for batters throughout the tournament.

---

Lungi Ngidi

Matches: 7
Wickets: 12
Economy: 7.19

Lungi Ngidi played a key role in South Africa’s strong campaign. After starting the tournament with a four-wicket haul against Canada, he continued to deliver important breakthroughs.

One of his most impressive performances came against India, where he conceded just 15 runs in four overs, showcasing excellent control and clever use of slower deliveries.

---

12th Man: Blessing Muzarabani

Matches: 6
Wickets: 13
Economy: 7.88

Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani was one of the surprise stars of the tournament. His outstanding spell against Australia helped secure a famous victory for Zimbabwe.

Even against stronger teams later in the tournament, he maintained impressive wicket-taking ability.

---

Players on the Bench

Sahibzada Farhan – Finished with 383 runs, the most in the tournament, and became the first player to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition.

Sikandar Raza – Delivered key all-round performances for Zimbabwe, particularly in wins against Australia and Sri Lanka.

Shadley van Schalkwyk – The USA fast bowler was among the tournament’s early stars, picking up 4 wickets each against India and Pakistan.

---

Also read this India Crush New Zealand to Win T20 World Cup

Final Thoughts

The T20 World Cup 2026 produced some unforgettable performances and dramatic moments. From Sanju Samson’s incredible comeback story to Jasprit Bumrah’s masterclass in fast bowling, this team of the tournament reflects the players who consistently delivered under pressure.

While India’s dominance in the XI highlights their championship run, the presence of players from several nations shows just how competitive and exciting this edition of the T20 World Cup truly was.