In cricket, sustained brilliance is often recognized through individual accolades like the Most Player of the Series Awards. These awards symbolize not just one-off performances, but continued impact over an entire series. Whether it’s Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, dominating across multiple matches is no easy feat.
Here Are The Most Player of the Series Awards In All Three Format
10. Joe Root (England) – 11 Series Awards
Joe Root has become the backbone of England’s Test team. A technically gifted right-hander, Root’s ability to anchor innings in challenging conditions stands out. His 11 Most Player of the Series Awards showcase his dominance over long tours and consistent match-winning contributions. Root’s strength lies in Tests, where he’s secured 6 series awards, followed by 5 in ODIs. As a modern-day great, Root’s leadership and batting prowess continue to earn accolades around the world.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JE Root (ENG) | 2012–2025 | 369 | 115 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
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9. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 11 Series Awards
Shaun Pollock was the epitome of consistency, discipline, and leadership. The South African all-rounder delivered match-winning performances across formats, earning 11 Most Player of the Series Awards. Known for his metronomic accuracy with the ball and dependable lower-order batting, Pollock shined especially in ODIs, bagging 9 series awards. His economical spells and crucial breakthroughs made him an invaluable asset in multi-match series.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM Pollock (SA/ICC) | 1995–2008 | 423 | 107 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
8. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 12 Series Awards
Chris Gayle, widely known as the “Universe Boss,” was more than just a T20 entertainer. Over his illustrious career, he picked up 12 Most Player of the Series Awards, proving his match-winning capabilities across all formats. With explosive batting at the top and occasional off-spin, Gayle was a true game-changer. His 8 ODI and 2 T20I series awards underline his dominance in limited overs, while also contributing significantly in Test cricket.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH Gayle (WI/ICC) | 1999–2021 | 483 | 141 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
7. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 12 Series Awards
Ravichandran Ashwin is India’s premier spinner in Test cricket and one of the most intelligent cricketers of the modern era. His 12 Most Player of the Series Awards are a testament to his incredible control and wicket-taking ability. Dominating especially in the subcontinent, Ashwin’s 11 Test awards show his unmatched effectiveness over long-format battles. His understanding of conditions and sharp cricketing brain make him a giant in red-ball cricket.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin (IND) | 2010–2024 | 287 | 105 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 1 |
6. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 13 Series Awards
Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI batting with his explosive style and fearlessness at the top of the order. With 13 Most Player of the Series Awards, including a staggering 11 in ODIs, Jayasuriya was a key figure in Sri Lanka’s golden era. His hard-hitting batting, useful left-arm spin, and energetic fielding made him a valuable contributor in every department. He was instrumental in changing the dynamics of limited-overs cricket.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST Jayasuriya (SL/Asia) | 1989–2011 | 586 | 176 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 0 |
5. David Warner (Australia) – 13 Series Awards
David Warner is one of the most explosive openers in modern-day cricket. His aggressive starts and fearless approach have led to 13 Most Player of the Series Awards across formats. Known for thriving in high-pressure games, Warner has 5 series awards each in Tests and T20Is, with 3 in ODIs. His success across continents shows his adaptability and world-class stature.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA Warner (AUS) | 2009–2024 | 383 | 126 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 15 Series Awards
Jacques Kallis is arguably the greatest all-rounder cricket has seen. With 15 Most Player of the Series Awards, Kallis showcased his dominance with bat and ball alike. His 9 Test series awards emphasize his consistent brilliance in the longest format. As a dependable top-order batter and a genuine wicket-taker, Kallis was the cornerstone of South Africa’s success for nearly two decades.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JH Kallis (SA/ICC) | 1995–2014 | 519 | 148 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 17 Series Awards
Bangladesh’s greatest cricketing export, Shakib Al Hasan, is the only player in this list with Most Player of the Series Awards in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I. With 17 awards to his name, Shakib’s balance of aggression, control, and experience has made him indispensable for Bangladesh. Whether spinning the ball on turning pitches or delivering under pressure with the bat, Shakib remains Bangladesh’s all-format MVP.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 2006–2024 | 447 | 162 | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
2. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 20 Series Awards
The “Little Master” Sachin Tendulkar remains an iconic figure in world cricket. With 20 Most Player of the Series Awards, Tendulkar ruled ODIs with 15 series awards, more than any other player in the format. His excellence in Tests was equally praiseworthy with 5 series wins. Tendulkar’s ability to play match-defining knocks time and again, across countries and formats, makes his achievements truly legendary.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR Tendulkar (IND) | 1989–2013 | 664 | 183 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 0 |
1. Virat Kohli (India) – 21 Series Awards
Sitting at the top of the leaderboard, Virat Kohli has won the Most Player of the Series Awards in cricket history with 21 honors. A fierce competitor and batting genius, Kohli has dominated every format. With 11 ODI and 7 T20I series awards, he’s been India’s standout performer during crucial series. His unmatched consistency, chase-master mentality, and ability to perform under pressure define his greatness. Kohli continues to set benchmarks for the next generation.
| Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V Kohli (IND) | 2008–2025 | 550 | 166 | 21 | 3 | 11 | 7 |
FAQs – Most Player of the Series Awards
1. Who holds the record for Most Player of the Series Awards in international cricket?
Virat Kohli with 21.
2. Who has the most series awards in ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar with 15.
3. Has any player won series awards in all three formats?
Yes—Virat Kohli, David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, and Chris Gayle.
4. Which bowler has the most series awards?
R Ashwin with 11 in Tests.
5. Who is the only Bangladeshi in this list?
Shakib Al Hasan with 17 series awards.
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