Its IPL season as the most consequential T20 extravaganza is about to take centre stage in the UAE. Over the year we have witnessed players produce some breath-taking performances which their fans fondly cherish and still talk about. To stand out in the IPL is no simple task as the worlds best combine with the best talent from India and battle against each other for close to two months.
T20 is a format with which the concept of consistency is not usually associated. Especially in the IPL, consistency is quite hard to attain as a player is playing non-stop matches against quality opposition. However, there have been few exceptions in the league which have stood tall and time and time again played a pivotal role in their side’s victory.
As a result, they are awarded the player of the match award which is truly special for any player. On that note in this feature, we look ahead at the top 5 players that have so far won the most IPL man of the match award.
5 Players With Most Man Of The Match In IPL History:
5. Rohit Sharma
Starting the list is none other than the elegant run machine and skipper of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma. In his 12 year career in the IPL, we have seen Rohit showcase his unreal talent in front of the world and play some unbelievable knocks. The third highest run-scorer in IPL history sure known how to win matches and lead from the front with the bat.
Since taking as reigns as captain of MI, Sharma has evolved as a batsman and now looks to stay till the end for his beloved franchise. This should not come as a surprise that Rohit has so far won 17 IPL man of the match awards in his career.
Rohit will be looking to add more such performances in his tally in the upcoming IPL 2020. He will be leading his defending champions side Mumbai Indians in the season opener itself against the Chennai Super Kings.
4. MS Dhoni
The inspirational leader of the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni also has 17 man of the match to his name. In IPL, Dhoni has been an ultimate finisher that has innumerable times taken his side home. Dhoni has been the chief reason why CSK has been the most consistent side in IPL history.
His ability to adapt and always stay one step ahead of the opposition has always been his hallmark during his illustrious career. Dhoni on an average wins 1 man of the match in every 10 matches in the IPL. Overall in 190 matches, he has been given 17 man of the match awards which the joint-most for any Indian alongside Rohit Sharma in IPL history.
This year Dhoni will be making a return to the cricket field after a wait of more than one year. After his announcement from International cricket, Fans will be hoping that they get to see vintage Dhoni and he adds few more man of the match titles in his IPL career.
3. David Warner
The Australian, David Warner has undoubtedly been one of the standout batsmen in IPL history. The captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad has a stellar IPL record as he possesses some unreal numbers as a batsman. Warner scores at an average of 43.2 and at a staggering strike rate of 143.
The swashbuckling batsman has so far won a total of 17 MOM awards in just 126 matches. His record proves the quality of batsmanship we have seen him display over the yeas in IPL.
Warner in 2016 scored more than 800 runs in the league and led the Sunrisers to their maiden IPL trophy. The management will expect the southpaw, who is currently in England, to deliver the goods once again.
2. Ab de Villiers
The ‘genius’ that is Ab de Villiers has won the second most IPL MOM awards. We have seen him lit stadiums during IPL by playing some of the most astonishing knocks for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Mr. 360 has time and time again gave an account of his unreal talent by dominating every possible bowler in the biggest T20 league.
As a result, he has created a fan base in India like no other foreign player. The atmosphere just changes when he steps out to bat in the IPL. In his 1154 IPL matches, de Villiers has won a whopping 20 IPL man of the match awards.
The South African will once again be a vital cog for RCB in IPL 2020 as he will looking to end the wait and help his side win their maiden IPL trophy in the UAE.
1. Chris Gayle
Fittingly it is Christopher Henry Gayle at the top spot for most IPL MOM awards. The West Indian has entertained everyone by his unreal batting in his IPL career. Especially during his time with RCB, Gayle was just operating at a different level. During his prime, he used to toy with the bowlers and clear the ground at will. There is absolutely no doubt that Gayle indeed is the greatest T20 batsman of all time.
On the big stage of the IPL, Gayle has never disappointed his adoring fans and always saved his best for the IPL. The almost 40-year-old has so far won 21 IPL man of the match awards in mere 125 matches. Gayle has produced batting of the absolute highest level in IPL and that is why he is such a crowd favourite all around the world.
The legendary batsman will be hoping to have his one last dance when he steps out to play for the Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020.