Cricket is not only about runs, wickets, or catches but also about match-winning contributions that tilt the game in a team’s favor. The Most player-of-the-match awards are a reflection of consistency, dominance, and influence on matches. Some players have left an unforgettable impact across formats, ensuring their names are etched in cricket’s golden records. In this article, we count down the Most player-of-the-match awards winners in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, ranking them from 10 to 1.

Here Are The Top 10 Legendary Cricketers with the Most Player-of-the-Match Awards in International Cricket

10. Brian Lara (West Indies/ICC)

Brian Charles Lara was a genius with the bat, celebrated for his elegant stroke play and ability to build mammoth innings. His records, such as the unbeaten 400 in Tests and 501 in First-Class cricket, remain unmatched to this day. Although he never featured in T20 internationals, his dominance in Tests and ODIs brought him 42 awards, placing him among legends in the Most player-of-the-match awards list.

Lara’s brilliance often rescued West Indies from challenging positions, showcasing his unmatched class and mental toughness. His memorable knocks against top bowling attacks highlighted his ability to single-handedly change games. Revered worldwide, Lara’s legacy as a cricketing icon is undeniable, and his place in the Most player-of-the-match awards tally is truly deserved.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
BC Lara (ICC/WI)	1990-2007	430	42	12	30	0

9. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan/Asia/ICC)

Shahid Afridi, fondly called “Boom Boom,” was one of cricket’s most dynamic and explosive all-rounders. Known for his fearless batting and clever leg-spin, he could change the course of a match in just a few deliveries. Afridi won 43 awards, primarily in ODIs and T20Is, where his unpredictability often caught opponents off guard.

Despite never winning in Tests, his white-ball dominance ensured him a special place in the Most player-of-the-match awards list. His ability to smash quick runs or break crucial partnerships with the ball made him a true match-winner for Pakistan. Loved by fans worldwide for his aggressive style, Afridi’s presence in the Most player-of-the-match awards rankings secures his legacy as one of cricket’s most entertaining stars.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
Shahid Afridi (Asia/ICC/PAK)	1996-2018	524	43	0	32	11

8. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma, famously known as the “Hitman,” is one of modern cricket’s greatest run-scorers and match-winners. With 44 awards to his name, he rightly secures a place in the Most player-of-the-match awards list. Renowned for his calmness under pressure and elegant stroke play, Rohit has the unique ability to both anchor an innings and switch gears into destructive mode.

His record-breaking 264 in ODIs remains unmatched, reflecting his ability to dominate on the biggest stages. Contributing across formats, including four awards in Tests, Rohit has proven his consistency and adaptability worldwide. His match-winning knocks have carried India in many crucial encounters, and his repeated presence in the Most player-of-the-match awards rankings showcases his true impact on the game.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
RG Sharma (IND)	2007-2025	499	44	4	26	14

7. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Shakib Al Hasan stands tall as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer and one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen. With 45 awards, he has been the backbone of his nation’s rise in international cricket. The Most player-of-the-match awards earned by Shakib reflect his remarkable ability to contribute equally with bat and ball.

Whether scoring vital runs in the middle order or breaking partnerships with his left-arm spin, he has consistently delivered match-winning performances. His dominance in ICC tournaments highlights his temperament in pressure situations. Shakib’s achievements have inspired a generation of Bangladeshi cricketers, and his tally in the Most player-of-the-match awards rankings cements his legacy as a true global cricketing icon.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
Shakib Al Hasan (BAN)	2006-2024	447	45	6	27	12

6. Ricky Ponting (Australia/ICC)

Ricky Ponting, Australia’s most decorated captain and a batting powerhouse, was the driving force behind his team’s dominance in world cricket. With 49 awards, his place on the Most player-of-the-match awards list is a reflection of his consistency and ability to rise in crucial moments. Known for his aggressive stroke play and sharp cricketing acumen, Ponting excelled in both Tests and ODIs, while also earning recognition in T20Is.

His record in tournament finals and big clashes underlined his hunger for victories and knack for thriving under pressure. A complete leader and match-winner, Ponting’s career defined Australia’s golden era. His tally in the Most player-of-the-match awards rankings cements his reputation as one of cricket’s greatest ever.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
RT Ponting (AUS/ICC)	1995-2012	560	49	16	32	1

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka/Asia/ICC)

Kumar Sangakkara was elegance personified, a legend who shone both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman. With 50 career awards, his name sits proudly on the Most player-of-the-match awards list, showcasing his ability to influence games across all formats. Sangakkara’s technique, temperament, and adaptability made him Sri Lanka’s backbone for over a decade.

Whether it was anchoring an innings, counterattacking under pressure, or rescuing his team from collapse, he consistently delivered when it mattered most. As a wicketkeeper, his sharp reflexes added immense value, while his leadership and sportsmanship earned admiration worldwide. His prolific run-scoring and versatility ensured that his place in the Most player-of-the-match awards rankings is remembered as a true hallmark of greatness.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
KC Sangakkara (Asia/ICC/SL)	2000-2015	594	50	16	31	3

4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa/ICC/Asia)

Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, and his 57 awards are a testament to that status. His position in the Most player-of-the-match awards list highlights how often he turned matches with both bat and ball. Kallis was South Africa’s anchor, capable of batting long hours with impeccable technique or shifting momentum with his precise medium pace.

He scored over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs while also claiming more than 500 international wickets, making him the complete package. His calmness under pressure and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him irreplaceable. Few players have matched his balance of batting and bowling achievements, and his dominance in the Most player-of-the-match awards tally confirms his legendary stature.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
JH Kallis (Afr/ICC/SA)	1995-2014	519	57	23	32	2

3. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka/Asia)

Sanath Jayasuriya transformed ODI cricket with his fearless stroke play at the top of the order. With 58 awards, he stands as one of the most impactful match-winners in history. His position in the Most player-of-the-match awards list reflects his ability to dominate with both bat and ball. Jayasuriya’s explosive batting in the 1996 World Cup changed the way teams approached the first 15 overs, inspiring a new era of aggressive openers.

Alongside his batting, his left-arm spin provided Sri Lanka with crucial breakthroughs, making him a genuine all-round threat. Known for turning games single-handedly, Jayasuriya gave his team a winning edge across formats. His recognition in the Most player-of-the-match awards tally confirms his legacy as a game-changer.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
ST Jayasuriya (Asia/SL)	1989-2011	586	58	4	48	6

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli, the modern-day run machine, has established himself as one of cricket’s greatest with 69 career awards. His presence on the Most player-of-the-match awards list reflects his unmatched ability to deliver under pressure. Renowned as the ultimate chase master, Kohli has guided India to countless victories with his precise shot selection, calmness, and fitness-driven approach.

With 43 awards in ODIs, 16 in T20Is, and 10 in Tests, he remains one of the most versatile performers in history. Beyond the numbers, Kohli’s passion, aggression, and leadership have inspired millions worldwide. His consistency across formats ensures he will remain a dominant force. The Most player-of-the-match awards tally under his name is bound to rise as his legendary career continues.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
V Kohli (IND)	2008-2025	550	69	10	43	16

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Sachin Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” stands unchallenged at the top with a record 76 awards, the highest in cricket history. His place on the Most player-of-the-match awards list highlights over two decades of unmatched dominance and reliability under pressure. Known for his flawless technique, adaptability, and calm temperament, Tendulkar was India’s ultimate match-winner in both Tests and ODIs.

With 62 awards in ODIs and 14 in Tests, he showcased brilliance across formats, often carrying the hopes of a billion fans. Beyond the records, his ability to inspire teammates and opponents alike made him a global icon. His name leading the Most player-of-the-match awards tally cements his status as the benchmark of cricketing greatness and an immortal legend.

Player	Span	Mat	Awards	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
SR Tendulkar (IND)	1989-2013	664	76	14	62	0

FAQs

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Most Successful Legendary Cricket Coaches in International Cricket History
• Top 10 Legendary Players with the Most T20 Matches Played in Career
• Today’s Bhutan Teer Result