Most Man of the Match Awards In IPL
Ever since the Indian Premier League started back in 2008, cricket fans have been treated to some truly memorable performances ever witnessed on a cricket pitch, be it with bat or ball. Over the years, we have seen some of the greats of the game demonstrate their true class, as well as virtual unknowns, grab the opportunity to shine on the global stage with both hands.
However, the mark of a true champion is to maintain that high level of performance consistently and hit those heights year after year, becoming an integral part of your side’s success in the tournament.
List of Player with Most MOM in IPL
Let’s take a closer look at the players who have most often almost single-handedly won the game for their teams and received the most man of the match awards in IPL history in recognition of their efforts.
5. MS Dhoni (17)
There’s no doubting MS Dhoni’s status as one of cricket’s greatest captains, and one of his best attributes is to lead from the front and set an example for his teammates. Not only has he led the Chennai Super Kings to multiple IPL titles, but he has also guided his team to several wins himself, which is why he finds himself on this list of players with the most man of the match awards in IPL history. It also helps that he has been a mainstay in the tournament ever since its inception, hardly missing a game. In fact, his first man of the match award came in the first season itself! Since then, he has gone on to rack up 16 more such accolades to add to his already glittering trophy cabinet.
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4. Rohit Sharma (17)
Next on this illustrious list is Rohit Sharma, formerly of the Deccan Chargers and current skipper of the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Along with Dhoni, he holds the record for the Most MOM in IPL history by an Indian, at 17. However, what makes Rohit’s place on this list unique is the fact that he has won the award for his exploits with both bat and ball separately, a feat that is rarely seen in any cricket tournaments.
Interestingly, his first man of the match award came against his current side in 2009, and it was for his stellar bowling! Chasing down the Chargers’ modest 145, Mumbai Indians were well on their way to a victory when Adam Gilchrist took a gamble on Rohit’s part-time off-spin. He promptly proceeded to take 4 wickets in 5 balls which included a hat-trick and turned the game on its head.
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3. David Warner (17)
The third and final player on this list with 17 awards is Australia’s David Warner, with the swashbuckling southpaw also having won them for multiple teams. His ability to go after opposition bowlers right from the first ball has held him in good stead throughout his IPL career, placing him high among the run-scoring charts as well.
His IPL career truly blossomed after he donned the orange of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, even leading them to their maiden IPL title in 2016. However, what makes Warner’s presence on this list of players with the most man of the match awards in IPL history is the fact that he didn’t feature at all in the 2018 edition due to his part in the Sandpapergate incident. One can only wonder how many he would have won had he played in that year!
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2. AB de Villiers (20)
One of the most beloved cricketers around the world, AB de Villiers has really shot up this list of players with the most man of the match awards in IPL history over the past few years. He won only two awards in his first three IPL seasons, both coming in the 2009 season when the tournament was held in his native South Africa. Like Warner, Mr 360 truly came into his own once he left Delhi Daredevils to join a formidable batting lineup at Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the company of Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, AB has put on many a spectacular display of hitting in the RCB middle order.
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1. Chris Gayle (21)
Widely regarded as one of, if not the best, T20 batsman in history, Gayle’s destructive hitting at the top of the order has seen him perform well for each IPL franchise he has played for. Having featured for Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab, it’s really Royal Challengers Bangalore where he has done his best work. His 6 man of the match awards during the 2011 season still remains an IPL record, while his 175* is the highest score in the tournament’s history as well.
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