The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage where the best cricketing talents shine. Over the years, some players have consistently delivered match-winning performances, earning multiple Player of the Match (POTM) awards. These awards highlight their ability to turn games in their team’s favor with outstanding batting, bowling, or all-round performances.
Some cricketers have not only scored big runs or taken crucial wickets but have also played match-winning knocks under pressure. While batters dominate this list due to their impact on the game, bowlers and all-rounders have also made their mark.
Let’s take a look at the top five players with the most Player of the Match awards in IPL history.
Players with Most Man of the Match awards in IPL
1. AB de Villiers – 25 POTM Awards
Matches Played: 184
Runs Scored: 5162
Strike Rate: 151.68
The South African maestro, known as “Mr. 360°,” is the most decorated player in IPL history when it comes to Player of the Match awards. With 25 POTM awards, AB de Villiers has been a game-changer for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
His ability to play unorthodox shots, rotate strike, and switch gears in tense situations makes him one of the most feared batters in T20 cricket. Whether it’s finishing games under pressure or taking on bowlers in the death overs, ABD has been a match-winner throughout his IPL career.
2. Chris Gayle – 22 POTM Awards
Matches Played: 142
Runs Scored: 4965
Strike Rate: 148.96
The “Universe Boss,” Chris Gayle, is regarded as the greatest T20 batter of all time. He holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history (175)* and has entertained fans with his brutal power-hitting.
Gayle has won 22 Player of the Match awards, making him the second most decorated player in this category. His ability to single-handedly destroy bowling attacks has helped his teams win several crucial games. With six IPL centuries and 31 half-centuries, he remains one of the most dominant batters in the league.
3. Rohit Sharma – 19 POTM Awards
Matches Played: 257
Runs Scored: 6628
Strike Rate: 130.14
Rohit Sharma is not only a top batsman but also the most successful IPL captain, leading Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL titles. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a match-winner.
With 19 Player of the Match awards, Rohit ranks third on this list. His batting performances have often changed the course of games, making him one of IPL’s most valuable players. Being the highest-ranked Indian player in this category, he continues to be a key figure in MI’s success.
4. Virat Kohli – 18 POTM Awards
Matches Played: 252
Runs Scored: 8004
Strike Rate: 130.02
The RCB superstar and run machine, Virat Kohli, is one of the most consistent batters in IPL history. His ability to chase down big totals and dominate bowlers makes him a crucial player for his team.
With 18 Player of the Match awards, Kohli has been a standout performer. He has been the backbone of Royal Challengers Bangalore for years, often playing match-winning knocks under pressure. His dedication and hunger for runs have made him one of the most respected batters in the league.
5. David Warner – 18 POTM Awards
Matches Played: 184
Runs Scored: 6565
Strike Rate: 139.77
David Warner has been a consistent performer in the IPL, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to their first IPL title in 2016. With 18 Player of the Match awards, Warner is one of the top overseas players in the tournament.
He holds the record for the most fifties (62) in IPL history, proving his consistency over the years. His aggressive approach at the top of the order makes him a dangerous batter in the powerplay. Warner’s contributions have been crucial in many memorable wins for SRH.
Honorable Mention: MS Dhoni – 17 POTM Awards
Matches Played: 264
Runs Scored: 5243
Strike Rate: 135.79
MS Dhoni, the most successful captain in IPL history, is known for his unmatched finishing ability. He has won 17 Player of the Match awards, often playing under pressure and guiding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to victory.
Dhoni has played the most number of matches in IPL history and remains one of the league’s most influential players. His ability to stay calm and finish games in the last over makes him a true IPL legend.
FAQ’s
Who has won the most Player of the Match awards in IPL history?
AB de Villiers holds the record for the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards in IPL history, winning it 25 times. His ability to play match-winning knocks made him one of the best finishers in the league.
Which Indian player has the most Player of the Match awards in IPL?
Rohit Sharma has won the most POTM awards among Indian players, with 19 awards. His consistent batting and leadership for Mumbai Indians (MI) have made him a key player in IPL history.
How many times has Virat Kohli won the Player of the Match award?
Virat Kohli has won the POTM award 18 times in IPL. As the leading run-scorer in IPL history, he has played many match-winning knocks for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Has any bowler won the most Player of the Match awards in IPL?
Batters dominate the list of most POTM awards due to their impact on games. However, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Sunil Narine, and Lasith Malinga have also won multiple Player of the Match awards for their match-winning bowling performances.
What is the record for most centuries in IPL, and who holds it?
Chris Gayle holds the record for the most centuries in IPL history. His explosive batting has earned him multiple Player of the Match awards.
Which franchise has had the most Player of the Match winners?
Teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had multiple players winning POTM awards, as they have been among the most successful IPL franchises.
Which season of IPL had the most Player of the Match awards for a single player?
There have been seasons where a player won multiple POTM awards, but AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and David Warner have had seasons where they won several in a single edition.
Who won the first-ever Player of the Match award in IPL history?
In the first-ever IPL match (2008), Brendon McCullum won the Player of the Match award for his unforgettable 158 runs* for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Final Thoughts
The Player of the Match award is a symbol of excellence in the IPL. The players on this list have proven their ability to win games for their teams, often delivering in pressure situations.
- AB de Villiers tops the list with 25 awards, thanks to his exceptional finishing skills.
- Chris Gayle follows closely with 22, known for his explosive power-hitting.
- Rohit Sharma (19), Virat Kohli (18), and David Warner (18) complete the top 5, showing consistency across multiple seasons.
- MS Dhoni (17) remains one of the greatest finishers and IPL captains.
