Cricket Record for Most Player of the Match Awards: ODI, T20i, Test

Few awards in cricket are more prestigious than the “Player of the Match” honor. It is a testament to a player’s skill that they can alter the game’s plot. However, who stands erect in this exclusive club across all formats?

Plunge in as we reveal the cricketers whose names are engraved in gold, having won the most player of the match awards. Expect to be astonished, intrigued, and motivated.

The Top 5 with the Most Player of the Match Awards in All Format

The Player of the Match award, often referred to as Man of the Match, honors the standout performer of a game.

Interestingly, there’s no official rule stating it must go to a player from the victorious side. Sometimes, a player from the defeated team shines so brightly that they earn this accolade.

1. Sachin Tendulkar: The Pinnacle of Excellence – 76 Awards

Unsurprisingly, Sachin Tendulkar tops our list. He clinched the Player of the Match award a staggering 76 times.

Breaking it down, he secured 14 awards in Tests and a whopping 62 in ODIs. Moreover, he was the Man of the Tournament during the 2003 World Cup.

Over his 24-year career, Tendulkar accumulated over 34,000 runs, making him a cricket legend.

2. Virat Kohli: The Modern-Day Maestro – 63 Awards

Virat Kohli, another Indian cricketing icon, follows closely with 63 awards. His tally includes 10 in Tests, 38 in ODIs, and 15 in T20Is.

Notably, Kohli holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in T20Is with 15. Additionally, he’s the sole cricketer to earn the Man of the Tournament title in two World Cups.

With 25,582 runs under his belt, Kohli continues to make waves in the cricketing world.

3. Sanath Jayasuriya: Sri Lanka’s Shining Star – 58 Awards

Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan powerhouse, has 58 awards to his name. His awards span across 4 in Tests, 48 in ODIs, and 6 in T20Is.

Jayasuriya’s pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory remains a highlight of his career. Throughout his tenure from 1989 to 2011, he amassed 21,032 international runs.

4. Jacques Kallis: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire – 57 Awards

South Africa’s Jacques Kallis is often regarded as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders. He’s been named Player of the Match 57 times.

Impressively, he’s won the award in Tests 23 times, the highest for any cricketer globally. With 25,534 runs and 577 wickets, Kallis has etched his name in cricket history.

5. Kumar Sangakkara: Sri Lanka’s Pride – 50 Awards

Kumar Sangakkara, another gem from Sri Lanka, has received the Player of the Match award 50 times. His awards are distributed among 16 in Tests, 31 in ODIs, and 3 in T20Is.

As Sri Lanka’s top run-scorer, Sangakkara’s 28,016 runs place him just behind Tendulkar in the global rankings.

Top Cricketers in ODI with the Most Player of the Match Awards

While Sri Lankan southpaw Sanath Jayasuriya is second in ODI cricket player of the match awards, Sachin Tendulkar has won the most of them.

In the following list of players with the most man of the match awards in ODI cricket, Pakistani superstar Shahid Afridi ranks third.

Jacques Kallis, the leader in tests, ranks fourth, and the great destroyer batter of yesteryear, King Viv, is sixth with relatively little ODIs played.

1. Sachin Tendulkar: The Master of 62 Awards

Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “master blaster,” has an impressive record. In 463 ODI matches from 1989 to 2012, he clinched the Player of the Match Award 62 times.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya: The All-Rounder with 48 Awards

Sanath Jayasuriya, a renowned all-rounder, boasts an international career spanning two decades. In 445 matches between 1989-2011, he secured the award 48 times.

3. Virat Kohli: The Passionate Player with 35 Awards

Virat Kohli’s passion for cricket is evident. In 227 matches from 2008-2019, he achieved the Player of the Match Award 35 times.

4. Shahid Afridi: The Unique Talent with 32 Awards

Shahid Afridi, often called “Boom Boom” for his aggressive style, has a unique place in cricket. In 398 matches from 1996-2015, he won the award 32 times.

5. Jacques Kallis: The All-Rounder with 32 Awards

Jacques Kallis, known for his all-round prowess, has left an indelible mark. In 328 matches from 1996-2014, he won the award 32 times.

6. Ricky Ponting: The Uncompromising Player with 32 Awards

Ricky Ponting, known for his determination, has a stellar record. In 375 matches from 1995-2012, he secured the award 32 times.

7. Sir Viv Richards: The Menacing Batsman with 31 Awards

Sir Viv Richards, known for his theatrical presence, is a cricket legend. In 187 matches from 1975-1991, he achieved the award 31 times.

8. Sourav Ganguly: The Indian Captain with 31 Awards

Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most successful captains, has a commendable record. In 311 matches from 1992-2007, he won the award 31 times.

9. Kumar Sangakkara: The Wicketkeeper-Batsman with 31 Awards

Kumar Sangakkara, a renowned wicketkeeper-batsman, has a notable record. In 404 matches from 2000-2015, he clinched the award 31 times.

10. Brian Lara: The Graceful Batsman with 30 Awards

Brian Lara, considered one of the greatest batsmen, has a remarkable record. In 299 matches from 1990-2007, he secured the award 30 times.

T20 Cricket: A Showcase of Skill and Strategy

Batters and bowlers alike don’t have the luxury of waiting around. Within this little window, athletes must display their finest abilities to guarantee their team’s victory.

T20 is interesting since it calls for a different set of skills than ODIs or Tests. Teams therefore frequently use player rotations in the T20 format.

However, there are a select few players that have the intrinsic capacity to single-handedly shift the tide of a game.

This piece highlights some of such ground-breaking developments. In this article, we will explore the world of T20 players who have won the most player of the match honours.

1. Mohammad Rizwan: Pakistan’s Shining Star

In 2021, Mohammad Rizwan emerged as a force to reckon with. Remarkably, he was the sole player to cross the 1000 T20I run mark that year.

As a top-order batter, Rizwan consistently gives his team a solid start. With 69 T20I innings under his belt, he’s amassed 2635 runs, boasting an average of 48.79.

His record includes one century and 23 half-centuries. Impressively, he’s bagged 11 Man of the Match awards in a short span.

2. Suryakumar Yadav: India’s “Mr. 360”

Drawing parallels with AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav stands out as India’s unique gem. His on-field prowess is nothing short of phenomenal.

Since his debut in March 2021, he’s been unstoppable. In just 46 T20I innings, he’s scored 1675 runs at an impressive average of 46.52.

With a strike rate of 175.76, he’s already clinched 11 Man of the Match awards. Undoubtedly, more accolades await him.

3. Rohit Sharma: India’s Veteran Prodigy

While T20 cricket often favors the young, some seasoned pros defy this norm. Rohit Sharma stands tall among them.

With four T20I centuries to his name, including a record-equalling fastest century, he’s in a league of his own.

Playing 140 innings, he’s scored 3853 runs at an average of 31.32. His tally includes four centuries, 29 half-centuries, and 13 Man of the Match awards.

4. Mohammad Nabi: Afghanistan’s Pillar of Strength

Despite being relatively new to cricket, Afghanistan has produced notable T20I talents. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi exemplifies this trend.

His stats speak volumes: 96 T20I innings, 1686 runs, and a strike rate of 140.03. Moreover, he’s taken 84 wickets. Nabi’s invaluable contributions have earned him 13 T20I Man of the Match awards.

5. Virat Kohli: The Master of All Formats

Few cricketers, past or present, can rival Virat Kohli’s prowess. His mastery spans all formats, making him a consistent match-winner.

Topping our list, Kohli has clinched 15 Man of the Match awards in T20Is. Playing 107 innings, he’s scored 4088 runs with an enviable average of 52.73. His record boasts one century and 37 half-centuries.

The Prestige of Man of the Match Awards in Test Cricket

Cricket cherishes its tradition of bestowing the “Man of the Match” award. This accolade goes to the standout performer, often turning the game’s tide.

Every cricketer aspires to represent their nation in Test cricket. It’s not just a game; it’s a testament to a player’s mettle. Over the years, some players have risen above the rest.

They’ve shown resilience, skill, and an uncanny ability to shine when it mattered most. This article celebrates those who’ve bagged the most “Man of the Match” awards in Test cricket.

Top 10 Titans with Most Player of the Match Awards in Test History

1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 23 Awards in 166 Tests

Jacques Kallis, the South African all-rounder, was a force to reckon with. With bat or ball, he was the Proteas’ savior.

His batting displayed sheer determination, while his bowling often clinched vital wickets. Kallis clinched 23 awards in 166 Tests.

2. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 19 Awards in 133 Tests

Known as the ‘smiling assassin’, Muralitharan spun webs around batsmen. His spin bowling was a spectacle, often making top batsmen falter. He secured 19 awards in 133 Tests.

3. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 17 Awards in 104 Tests

Wasim Akram, the “Sultan of Swing”, had a knack for reverse swing. His pace and seam movement were game-changers. Akram bagged 17 awards in 104 Tests.

4. Shane Warne (Australia) – 17 Awards in 145 Tests

Shane Warne, the legendary spinner, had batsmen dancing to his tunes. His leg spin and googlies were a class apart. Warne earned 17 awards in 145 Tests.

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 16 Awards in 134 Tests

Sangakkara, with his impeccable timing and placement, was Sri Lanka’s backbone. His partnerships, especially with Jayawardene, were iconic. He won 16 awards in 134 Tests.

6. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 16 Awards in 168 Tests

Ricky Ponting’s aggressive style and sharp tactics made him a standout. His stroke play was a treat to watch. Ponting secured 16 awards in 168 Tests.

7. Curtly Ambrose (West Indies) – 14 Awards in 98 Tests

Ambrose, with his towering presence, could dismantle any batting lineup. His pace and bounce were unmatched. Ambrose clinched 14 awards in 98 Tests.

8. Steve Waugh (Australia) – 14 Awards in 168 Tests

Steve Waugh was the epitome of mental toughness. His shot selection and adaptability were commendable. Waugh bagged 14 awards in 168 Tests.

9. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 14 Awards in 200 Tests

Sachin, the ‘Master Blaster’, was India’s pride. His adaptability and partnerships were crucial for India. Tendulkar secured 14 awards in 200 Tests.

10. Joe Root (England) – 13 Awards in 127 Tests

Joe Root’s technique and defense were impeccable. He was England’s modern-day hero, winning 13 awards in 127 Tests.

The Titans with Most Player of the Match Awards Across Formats

The voyage through the history of cricket, which focuses on people who have won the most player of the match honours, is an experience that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

These awards aren’t simply about individual brilliance; rather, they’re about moments that changed the trajectory of a game and etched memories into the hearts of fans all across the world.

As we pay tribute to these cricketing greats, we are brought face-to-face with the elegance of the game and the greats who have helped to ensure that it will live on in infamy.

FAQ - Cricket Record for Most Player of the Match Awards

What is the "Player of the Match" award?

It's an accolade given to the standout performer of a cricket match, recognizing their significant contribution to the game.

Is the award only given to players from the winning team?

No, while it's common for players from the victorious side to receive it, exceptional performances from the losing side can also earn this honor.

Who holds the record for the most player of the match awards in Test cricket?

Jacques Kallis from South Africa holds the record with 23 awards in 166 Tests.

Which cricketer has the most awards in T20Is?

Virat Kohli leads the tally with 15 Man of the Match awards in T20Is.

Are these awards distributed uniformly across different cricket formats?

No, the distribution varies based on individual performances in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.