Cricket is the 2nd most recognized sport globally. It is a team game played with bat and a ball and is often referred to as Gentleman’s game. Of course, overall in Cricket, the team performing well wins, but individual brilliance also plays a vital role in Cricket. The Man of the Match award is a testament to a player’s outstanding contribution to their team’s victory in cricket. In this article, we will get know about the top 10 cricket players who have won the most Man of the Match awards across various formats of the game.
1. Sachin Tendulkar - 76
Also known as the ‘God of Cricket’. The little master holds the record of the most Man of the Match awards in Cricket. The legendary Indian batsman holds 76 Man of the Match awards in total. Out of which 14 Man of the match awards are in test cricket and an astonishing 62 awards in ODI cricket. Sachin also holds the record for longest international cricket career that is 22years and 91days. He has played a total of 664 international matches in total, and dominated international cricket with his unparalleled batting skills.
2. Virat Kohli - 66
The former Indian captain is one of the most successful batsmen in the modern era, of cricket. With 66 Man of the Match awards to his name till date and he is still counting. He received 10 Man of the Match Awards in test cricket, 41 in ODI cricket and 15 in T20 international cricket for India. A total of 66 Man of the match awards in cricket. After Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli is leading Indian cricket team’s batting. And his incredible form has seen him win numerous awards across formats in cricket. Thus, cementing his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
3. ST Jayasuriya - 58
The Sri Lankan legend opener has been a consistent performer in ODI cricket. He has won 48 Man of the Match awards in ODI Cricket, 4 in Test cricket and 6 in T20 cricket. Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting style has made him a threat to opposing teams. And his awards reflect his ability to make a significant impact on the cricket game. In total he holds a record for 58 man of the match awards.
4. Jacques Kallis - 57
One of the legendary South African all-rounders holds the record for the most Man of the Match awards. In Test cricket, he has won 23 man of the match awards awards. And in total of 57 awards in the international level cricket. Kallis’s incredible career spanned around 18 years in cricket, during which he dominated international cricket with his batting, bowling, and fielding skills. He played a total of 519 matches for his country.
5. KC Sangakkara - 50
The Sri Lankan legendary wicket-keeper batsman has won a total of 50 Man of the Match awards at international cricket. Thus, making him one of the most successful players of the game of cricket. Sangakkara’s incredible leadership skills and batting abilities, have helped him winning numerous awards in cricket. Thus, cementing his status as one of the greatest captains of his nation in cricket.
6. RT Ponting - 49
The Australian legend and one of the best captains of the game of cricket, Mr. Ricky Pointing. RT Ponting has won 49 Man of the Match awards in international cricket. Thus, making him one of the most successful players of the cricket game. His incredible technique and classy attitude towards the game, makes him the legend of the game of cricket. Pointing holds the record for most wins as a captain at the international level cricket.
7. Shakib Al Hasan - 44
The Bangladeshi all-rounder has won 44 Man of the Match awards in total, in cricket. 6 man of the match awards in Test cricket, 27 in ODI cricket, and 11 in T20s. Therefore, making him one of the most successful players of the game of cricket. Shakib’s incredible bowling and batting skills have helped him win numerous awards. He’s a legend for his country and a former captain too. He’s one of those players, who were part of first T20 world cup and still playing.
8. Shahid Afridi - 43
The Pakistani all-rounder has won 43 Man of the Match awards in white ball cricket. Thus, making him one of the most successful players in the white ball format. Afridi’s incredible bowling and batting skills have helped him win many awards in cricket. The Pakistani legend is also known for retiring and coming back, as he ages like wine.
9. BC Lara - 42
The West Indies batsman has won 42 Man of the Match awards in international cricket. Therefore, making him one of the most successful players for his country. Lara’s incredible batting skills have helped him win many awards. And also making him one of the best aggressive West Indies player in cricket.
10. RG Sharma - 41
The Indian skipper has won 24 Man of the Match awards in ODI cricket, making him one of the most successful players in the ODI cricket format. Sharma’s incredible batting and leadership skills have seen him win end numbers of awards, including his recent seventh award in the ICC World Cup 2023. He also holds the record for most runs by a batman in a single innings of an ODI cricket game, i.e. 264. Recently he captained Indian Cricket Team to win the T20 World Cup 2024, held at USA and West Indies. But the sad news is that Rohit announced his retirement too from the T20 internationals.
In conclusion, these top 10 cricket players have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to their craft, earning them the highest number of Man of the Match awards across various formats of the game of cricket. Their achievements serve as a result to their hard work. And commitment to excellence, inspiring future generations of cricketers to strive for similar greatness.
Also read
Top 10 batsmen with most international centuries
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