Not Sanju Samson? AB de Villiers Backs Jasprit Bumrah For Player Of The Tournament Award

AB de Villiers believes Jasprit Bumrah deserved the T20 World Cup 2026 Player of the Tournament award ahead of Sanju Samson.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Sanju Samson received the Player of the Tournament award after strong performances late in the competition.

Samson played only 5 matches during India’s 9-match campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 321 runs at a strike rate of 200. His aggressive batting played a key role in India’s success.

However, several experts believe Jasprit Bumrah also had a strong case for the award. The fast bowler finished as the tournament’s top wicket-taker. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers supported that view. He highlighted Bumrah’s Spells and match-defining overs across the competition. De Villiers felt Bumrah’s overall impact deserved the award.

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“It was a really close call between Sanju Samson and Bumrah. Bumrah was the top wicket-taker, and so he was pushing for the Player of the Tournament. But to me, there were pivotal moments and overs that he bowled that I felt like maybe he deserved more of a mention. It should have been closer,” said de Villiers.

Bumrah Finishes Among Tournament’s Top Wicket-Takers

AB de Villiers also noted the challenge of fast bowling in Indian conditions. He noted Bumrah’s ability to produce decisive overs in the semifinal and final.

“It’s not easy to bowl as a fast bowler in India unless you are a Jasprit Bumrah. Even him, he was expensive in a couple of his overs during the tournament,” admitted de Villiers.

“But when it mattered most in the semifinal and final, he bowled insane overs. I’ve never seen anything like it. He is hittable, but when it matters, there is a different gear this guy hits, and he goes to a different planet. An incredible performer and an asset to cricket in India,” he added.

Bumrah and Sanju Samson will next appear in IPL 2026.