The Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2008, a year after India won the first T20 World Cup in 2007. Over time, many young players have built their careers while playing alongside famous Indian and international cricketers. This list takes a look at the players who won the “Player of the Tournament” award at the end of each IPL season. Originally called the “Man of the Series,” this award was renamed in 2013 to the “IPL Most Valuable Player.”
The award celebrates players who consistently deliver standout performances, influencing the tournament with their skills. It recognizes those who make a big impact, whether with the bat, ball, or both.
Most Man of the Series Awards in IPL List All Time
| Year | Player of the Series | Team | Stats |
| 2024 | Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders | 488 runs, 17 wickets |
| 2023 | Shubman Gill | Gujarat Titans | 890 Runs |
| 2022 | Jos Buttler | Rajasthan Royals | 863 Runs |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 59 Runs, 32 Wickets |
| 2020 | Jofra Archer | Rajasthan Royals | 113 Runs, 20 Wickets |
| 2019 | Andre Russell | Kolkata Knight Riders | 510 Runs, 11 Wickets |
| 2018 | Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders | 357 Runs, 17 Wickets |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes | Rising Pune Supergiant | 316 Runs, 12 Wickets |
| 2016 | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 973 Runs |
| 2015 | Andre Russell | Kolkata Knight Riders | 326 Runs, 14 Wickets |
| 2014 | Glenn Maxwell | Punjab Kings | 552 Runs, 1 wicket |
| 2013 | Shane Watson | Rajasthan Royals | 543 Runs, 13 Wickets |
| 2012 | Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders | 24 Wickets |
| 2011 | Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 608 Runs, 8 Wickets |
| 2010 | Sachin Tendulkar | Mumbai Indians | 618 Runs |
| 2009 | Adam Gilchrist | Deccan Chargers | 495 Runs |
| 2008 | Shane Watson | Rajasthan Royals | 472 Runs, 17 Wickets |
Player of the Series Award Winners in IPL
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is one of only three players to win the “IPL Most Valuable Player” award in two different seasons. He first earned it in the inaugural season, scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets.
Between 2008 and 2015, only one Indian—Sachin Tendulkar—won the award, claiming it in 2010 for scoring 618 runs. During 2008-2012, Tendulkar and Chris Gayle (2011) were the only winners who didn’t play for the title-winning team.
In contrast, Adam Gilchrist (495 runs in 2009) and Sunil Narine (24 wickets in 2012) both helped their franchises win the IPL. Narine further secured the award in 2018 and 2024, adding to his achievements.
Sunil Narine (2024)
Last year, Sunil Narine became the first player to win the “Player of the Tournament” (POTS) award three times. In the IPL 2024 season, Narine played 15 matches. He scored three fifties and one century, with his highest score being 109 runs off 56 balls, which included 13 fours and 3 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 194.6. His outstanding performance with 488 runs and 17 wickets helped KKR win their third IPL title.
Shubman Gill (2023)
Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill earned the honor after scoring an incredible 890 runs in 17 games. He had an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80, with seven 50+ scores, including three centuries. Gill had an outstanding season, helping his Ahmedabad-based team reach the final. However, they lost to CSK in a thrilling match decided on the last ball.
Jos Buttler (2022)
In 2022, Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler smashed 863 runs in 17 innings, including four centuries, to join an elite list of top performers. The English white-ball captain also won the prestigious “Orange Cap,” becoming only the fourth player after Sachin, Gayle, and Virat to achieve this double.
It was Buttler’s best IPL season, matching Virat Kohli’s 2016 record with his outstanding performance. His efforts helped Rajasthan Royals reach the final, but they lost to Gujarat Titans.
Harshal Patel (2021)
Former RCB player Harshal Patel had an incredible 2021 season, taking 32 wickets in 15 games and earning the prestigious “Purple Cap.” His performance equaled Dwayne Bravo’s record from 2013. Harshal’s efforts helped RCB reach the playoffs, but they lost the Eliminator match against KKR.
Jofra Archer (2020)
The 2019 World Cup winner, Jofra Archer, was the backbone of Rajasthan Royals’ bowling in the 2020 season, taking 20 wickets. Despite his efforts, the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs. Archer’s impactful performance included bagging 20 wickets and scoring a quick 113 runs with the bat, making him a standout player that season.
Andre Russell (2019)
The West Indies all-rounder won the “Player of the Tournament” (POTS) award for the second time after 2015. He scored 510 runs and took 11 wickets for KKR. However, despite his efforts, the team couldn’t make it to the playoffs.
Sunil Narine (2018)
Six years after winning his first IPL title and the “Player of the Tournament” (POTS) award, Sunil Narine claimed the honor again. He scored 357 runs and took 17 wickets during the season. However, his team KKR lost in Qualifier Two against SRH.
Ben Stokes (2017)
The two-time World Cup winner for England played a key role in the Rising Pune Supergiant’s comeback during the 10th season. The team had a rough start but fought back to reach the final. Unfortunately, they lost by just one run against the Mumbai Indians.
Virat Kohli (2016)
The former India and RCB captain, Virat Kohli, had an unforgettable IPL season in 2016, scoring a record-breaking 973 runs, including four centuries. No player has come close to this incredible milestone in a single season.
His performance earned him the “Most Valuable Player” award, making him the second Indian to win it. Despite his outstanding efforts, RCB fell short in the final, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Andre Russell (2015)
The explosive Andre Russell had a brilliant season for KKR, scoring 326 runs and taking 14 wickets. However, his team couldn’t reach the playoffs. In 2015, Russell earned his first “IPL Most Valuable Player” award for his all-round performance of 326 runs and 14 wickets. He raised the bar in 2019, smashing 510 runs and adding 11 wickets to his tally.
Glenn Maxwell (2014)
The 2021 T20 World Cup winner made a big impact in the 2014 IPL season, scoring 552 runs for Punjab Kings. Glenn Maxwell’s brilliant performance helped his team reach the final, but they lost to KKR. Maxwell’s outstanding season earned him recognition for his incredible batting display.
Shane Watson (2013)
The former Australian all-rounder had an outstanding IPL season in 2013, excelling with both bat and ball. Shane Watson scored 543 runs and took 13 wickets, showcasing his all-round brilliance. Despite his efforts, the Royals fell short, losing to the eventual champions, Mumbai Indians.
Sunil Narine (2012)
Former West Indies spinner Sunil Narine made his IPL debut with Kolkata Knight Riders. He took 24 wickets, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker of the season, and played a key role in helping KKR win their first-ever IPL title.
Chris Gayle (2011)
The two-time T20 World Cup winner from the West Indies, Chris Gayle, joined the RCB team as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. Gayle had an outstanding season, scoring 618 runs and helping RCB reach the final. However, the team lost to CSK in the championship match.
Sachin Tendulkar (2010)
The 2011 World Cup winner became the first Indian to win the “Player of the Tournament” award in the IPL. He also made history as the first player to win this honor without lifting the IPL trophy. The right-handed batter scored 618 runs and helped his team reach the final, but they couldn’t overcome Chennai Super Kings to claim the title.
Adam Gilchrist (2009)
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist was made captain of the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. In the 2009 season, the Hyderabad-based team finished last, but Gilchrist turned things around the following year. He scored 495 runs and led his team to their only IPL title, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final. The franchise was discontinued in 2012.
Shane Watson (2008)
The two-time ODI World Cup winner from Australia, Shane Watson, played a key role in helping Rajasthan Royals win their only IPL title in 2008. In the inaugural season, Watson shone with both bat and ball, scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets to win the Player of the Series award. RR defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final to claim the trophy.
FAQ’s
Who won the first IPL Man of the Series Award?
Shane Watson won the first IPL “Man of the Series” award in 2008 while playing for the Rajasthan Royals.
Has any player won the IPL Man of the Series Award multiple times?
Yes, Sunil Narine has won the MVP award three times, while Shane Watson and Andre Russell have each won the IPL “Man of the Series” award twice.
Which team’s players have won the most IPL Man of the Series Awards?
Players from Kolkata Knight Riders have won the most IPL “Man of the Series” awards.
