IPL 2023: It would not be a wrong statement to say that the Indian Premier League has totally changed the dynamics of T20 cricket. Since the inception of the IPL, T20 cricket has changed completely. It is one of the best platforms for players across the globe to showcase their skills. It is a batting-dominant game, and batters have the license to go out and smash the ball from the start.
And then there are some of the big names who have had the most impact on their team. Such players are the backbone of their team, helping them to win matches. So in this article, we will discuss the top five players in the history of the IPL with the most “Man of the Match” awards.
IPL 2023: Players with the Most Man of the Match in IPL
5. MS Dhoni (17 times)
One of the best finishers in the history of the game is the former Indian skipper. MS Dhoni is one of the greatest captains in the game of cricket. He has played the highest number of matches in IPL history and is certainly one of the most impactful players in its history. He has done exceedingly well with his bat, gloves, and as a captain. In 202 matches, MS Dhoni has won 17 “MOTM” awards and is fifth on the list.
4. David Warner (17 times)
The Australian swashbuckling opener is fourth on the list. He is one of the best overseas players in terms of numbers in the IPL. The left-hander has played a total of 150 matches and has won the “Man of the Match” award 17 times. Warner is also the only player in the history of the IPL to win the “Orange Cap” three times. It shows the impact the left-hander has had on the tournament over the years.
3. Rohit Sharma (18 times)
The Indian skipper is third on the list of the players with the most “MOTM”. It will not be a wrong statement to say that Rohit is the best captain in the cash-rich league. It is not just his leadership skills; he is also a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians. He has played a total of 213 matches and led MI to five IPL titles. Rohit is also the third highest run-scorer in the IPL with 5528 runs. Overall, in his career, he has won 18 “Man of the Match” awards.
2. Chris Gayle (22 times)
The Universe Boss is the second with 22 “Man of the Match” awards. Well, there might be very few batting records that the left-hander will not have. He holds the records for scoring the highest individual runs in an innings, most sixes in the IPL and many more. Without a doubt, he is a legend of T20 cricket. Chris Gayle has played 142 IPL matches and scored 4965 runs at a strike rate of 148.96, including 22 “MOTM” and two “Orange Cap”.
1. AB De Villiers (25 times)
Arguably, the former South Africa skipper is the best overseas player in IPL history. De Villiers has played most of his matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore, and he has won numerous matches. And there might not be anything that this man can’t do on the cricket field. He is a superb fielder, finisher, leader, and many more. In the 184 IPL matches, De Villiers has scored 5162 runs at an average and strike rate of 39.70 and 151.68, respectively, including 25 “Man of the Match” awards.