The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown into a platform where memorable cricket performances are created every season. Many matches are decided by one standout player who changes the game completely. One of the most respected individual honors in the IPL is the Man of the Match award, which is given to the player who makes the biggest impact in a game. Over the years, several players have delivered match winning performances, but only a few have managed to collect this award consistently across seasons.
From AB de Villiers’ complete match awareness to Chris Gayle’s fearless batting approach, this article looks at the players who have dominated this award list and left a lasting mark on IPL history.
Who Has Won Most Man Of The Match Awards In IPL?
AB de Villiers, widely known as “Mr. 360,” holds the record for the most Man of the Match awards in IPL history, with 25 awards. His ability to play shots in every direction, along with his reliability in pressure situations, made him a regular match winner for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Whether batting, fielding, or guiding the team, he often stood out in crucial moments.
De Villiers had the rare skill of changing a game’s direction at any stage. He could attack aggressively during the middle overs or stay calm and build an innings when required. His 25 Man of the Match awards clearly reflect his influence in the IPL and confirm his status as one of the league’s greatest players.
Top 10 Players With Most Man Of The Match In IPL:
The table below shows the top 10 players who have won the highest number of Man of the Match awards in IPL history. It includes the total awards they received, the number of matches they played, and the teams they represented during their IPL careers. This list clearly reflects the players who have consistently delivered match winning performances over the years.
| Rank | Player | Awards | Matches | Teams Played For |
| 1 | AB de Villiers | 25 | 184 | DD, RCB |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 22 | 142 | KKR, RCB, PBKS |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | 21 | 272 | DCH, MI |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | 19 | 267 | RCB |
| 5 | David Warner | 18 | 184 | DC, SRH |
| 6 | MS Dhoni | 18 | 278 | CSK, RPS |
| 7 | Sunil Narine | 17 | 189 | KKR |
| 8 | Shane Watson | 16 | 145 | RR, RCB, CSK |
| 9 | Yusuf Pathan | 16 | 174 | RR, KKR, SRH |
| 10 | Andre Russell | 16 | 140 | DD, KKR |
1. AB de Villiers: 25 Awards
AB de Villiers had the rare ability to change a match within a few overs. His sharp shot selection, calm mindset, and ability to adapt to any situation made him one of the most reliable players in IPL history. Whether the team needed stability or quick runs, he always stepped up. His performances for RCB produced match winning results time and again. Winning 25 Man of the Match awards shows how often he stood above the rest and delivered when it mattered most.
2. Chris Gayle: 22 Awards
Chris Gayle is remembered for his fearless batting and massive sixes. He gave teams explosive starts and often dominated bowling attacks from the very beginning. Playing for KKR, RCB, and PBKS, Gayle produced many unforgettable innings. His ability to score quickly and break the opposition’s rhythm helped him earn 22 Man of the Match awards during his IPL career.
3. Rohit Sharma: 21 Awards
Rohit Sharma combined smart batting with strong leadership. While leading Mumbai Indians to multiple titles, he also delivered crucial match winning knocks. Known for staying calm under pressure, Rohit often performed when his team needed him the most. His consistency across seasons helped him collect 21 Man of the Match awards.
4. Virat Kohli: 19 Awards
Virat Kohli has been a pillar of RCB for many years. His hunger for runs, sharp focus, and ability to chase targets made him one of the most dependable batters in the league. With 19 Man of the Match awards in 267 matches, Kohli’s impact on IPL games has been long lasting and highly influential.
5. David Warner: 18 Awards
David Warner has been one of the most aggressive openers in IPL history. Representing DC and SRH, he often set the tone early with fast scoring innings. His leadership and batting played a major role in SRH’s title win in 2016. Warner’s attacking style earned him 18 Man of the Match awards.
6. MS Dhoni: 18 Awards
MS Dhoni is known for his calm nature and sharp decision making. As CSK’s captain, he guided his team through many tight situations. His finishing ability and match awareness helped him win 18 Man of the Match awards, making him one of the most respected figures in IPL history.
7. Sunil Narine: 17 Awards
Sunil Narine built his success on discipline and mystery spin. Playing mainly for KKR, he frequently picked up key wickets and controlled the middle overs. His ability to create pressure made him a match winner on many occasions, earning him 17 Man of the Match awards.
8. Shane Watson: 16 Awards
Shane Watson was a true all rounder who delivered with both bat and ball. Playing for RR, RCB, and CSK, he often performed in big matches. His balanced skill set and ability to handle pressure helped him secure 16 Man of the Match awards.
9. Yusuf Pathan: 16 Awards
Yusuf Pathan was known for his powerful hitting and timely contributions. Whether smashing quick runs or supporting with the ball, he had the ability to change games suddenly. His performances for RR, KKR, and SRH earned him 16 Man of the Match awards.
10. Andre Russell: 16 Awards
Andre Russell is one of the most explosive all rounders in IPL history. His ability to hit big shots at the death and deliver important overs with the ball made him a game changer. Playing for KKR and DD, Russell’s impact helped him win 16 Man of the Match awards.
Conclusion:
The players with the most Man of the Match awards in IPL history share one common trait: consistency under pressure. AB de Villiers leads the list, but players like Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni have also played a huge role in shaping the league. Their performances didn’t just win matches, they created moments that fans still remember.
FAQs:
AB de Villiers holds the record with 25 Man of the Match awards, which is the highest in IPL history.
Chris Gayle played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings during his IPL career.
Rohit Sharma has won 21 Man of the Match awards across different IPL seasons.
Chris Gayle is best known for his explosive batting and ability to hit big sixes, especially in the powerplay overs.
Virat Kohli has played 267 matches in the Indian Premier League.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
