Top 10 Players With Most Man Of The Match In International Cricket

Cricket is not just a sport; it is a passion, a habit, and a way of living for many people. There are many aspects of performance in international matches, but the 'Man of the Match' award recognizes the most influential player. The Man of the Match awards or the Player of the Match awards are given to the players with the best performances in that particular game.

In this article, we are focusing on the list of 10 cricketers who have won the 'Man of the Match' award the most number of times in international cricket. It includes all three formats - Test, ODI, and T20I. Players who have caught everyone's attention with their play time and again pulled the team out of trouble many times, and turned the match around. This list will not be seen only based on numbers, but also appreciate how many times these players have single-handedly turned the match into a victory. Let's check who is the player with most man of the match in international cricket.

Ranking Factors:

• No. of Man of the Match awards won: The main basis for making this list is the total number of Man of the Match awards received at the international level. The awards received in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20—have been added to this. The data has been taken from the ICC and other official sources, and only those players have been included who have received this honor more than 40 times.

  The ranking is simple: the more times a player has received this award, the higher he is placed. If two players have equal awards, then the number of matches and consistency of performance are taken into account. Apart from this, their impact on the team and in what format they were more effective, these things have also been analyzed.

List Of 10 Players With Most Man of the Match in International Cricket

10. Brian Lara | West Indies | 42 MOM Awards

Brian Lara's name is included among the most powerful batsmen of cricket. His style was graceful, but his innings proved to be destructive. Lara's record of 400* in Test cricket still stands today. Lara won the Man of the Match award 12 times in Test cricket and 30 times in ODI cricket, which shows that he had an impact in every format.

His timing, shot selection, and temperament made him different. When it was his day, he could put any bowling attack in the world to shame. He single-handedly won many matches for the West Indies. His innings not only changed the scoreboard but also the mood of the match. T20 cricket was not a part of his career, but even without that, he is included in this list, which shows his greatness.

9. Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 43 MOM Awards

Shahid Afridi's game has always been aggressive. He won the 'Man of the Match' award 43 times in 524 international matches. The most special thing about his game was unpredictability. Be it batting or bowling, he always tried to do something different and was one of the most popular cricketers of his time. Afridi won this award 32 times in ODIs and 11 times in T20Is.

His record in Tests was not that special, but in limited overs he proved to be a match-winner again and again. The echo of his gigantic sixes kept resonating in the ears of the audience for a long time. Especially in the T20 format, he played many such innings that cannot be forgotten. He is ninth on the list of most man of the match in international cricket.

8. Rohit Sharma | India | 44 MOM Awards

Rohit Sharma, who has won the award 44 times in 499 matches, has been consistent in his game. His dominance has been more in ODIs and T20Is. He established himself in Tests in recent years. The Hitman's most special thing is his ability to play big innings. When he is in form, not only centuries but double centuries become common as well.

The Indian opener has won the title of 'Man of the Match' 26 times in ODIs and 14 times in T20Is. He is a player who adapts the game in his own style according to the circumstances. He is eighth on the list of most man of the match in international cricket.

7. Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 45 MOM Awards

As soon as Shakib's name comes up, it becomes necessary to mention his all-round performance. This player, who plays for Bangladesh, has proved himself to be the best 45 times in 447 international matches. His specialty is that he impacts the match with both bat and ball. The Bangladeshi all-rounder has received the 'Man of the Match' award in 27 ODIs, 12 T20Is, and six Test matches.

Overall, Shakib is seventh on the list of most Man of the Match in international cricket. Shakib Al Hasan's consistency and variety make him different. The southpaw bats at any order according to the need of the team and also takes wickets at the right time.

6. Ricky Ponting | Australia | 49 MOM Awards

Ricky Ponting, counted among Australia's greatest captains, won this award 49 times in 560 international matches. His batting level has been very high in both Tests and ODIs. Australia was almost invincible during his captaincy, and he received this honor 32 times in ODIs and 16 times in Tests. Technique and mental strength made him a great player. Ponting always led the team from the front, and his performance in big matches was often decisive.

5. Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 50 MOM Awards

Kumar Sangakkara, who won 50 awards in 594 matches, had a balanced and composed game. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he proved himself in every format. The Sri Lankan legend's batting statistics are amazing, and he received the award 31 times in ODIs, 16 times in Tests and 3 times in T20Is. The southpaw's technical superiority and ability to stand up under pressure kept him among the top players for a long time. His biggest speciality was to score runs by remaining calm under pressure.

4. Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 57 MOM Awards

Jacques Kallis, who won the 'Man of the Match' award 57 times in 519 matches, has been a complete all-rounder. He was as reliable with the ball as he was equally great with the bat as well. The Proteas' all-rounder received this title 23 times in Tests, 32 times in ODIs, and 2 times in T20Is. Kallis' game was not limited to any one area, as he was among the most reliable players in the team. His presence always gave balance to the team.

He had the ability to bat in the top order and could also chip in with some useful overs with his canny pace bowling. With the help of his all-round brilliance, Kallis won numerous awards. He is fourth on the list of most man of the match in international cricket.

3. Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 58 MOM Awards

Jayasuriya, who won the award 58 times in 586 international matches, wrote a new definition of aggression. He was the best player 48 times in ODIs, six times in T20Is, and four times in Tests. The southpaw's batting changed the thinking of cricket. His specialty was to give an aggressive start in the power play, and also, his left-arm slow bowling made him an effective all-rounder. He is third on the list of player with most man of the match in international cricket, which is a big achievement in itself.

2. Virat Kohli | India | 69 MOM Awards

Virat Kohli, who has won the 'Man of the Match' award 69 times in 550 matches, is one of the most influential batsmen of the modern era. He has won this honor 43 times in ODIs, 16 times in T20Is, and 10 times in Tests. The Indian legend's game has been a symbol of passion and consistency. Whether it is chasing the target or playing cautiously after losing an early wicket, Kohli has proved himself in every situation.

His fitness and mental strength keep him consistent at the top level. However, the former Indian captain has hung up his boots from T20I and Test cricket now. But he is still an active ODI player and has his eyes set on the 2027 World Cup. He is second on the list of most man of the match in international cricket for India and in the world as well.

1. Sachin Tendulkar | India | 76 MOM Awards

Sachin Tendulkar, known as the God of Cricket, won this award the most times and that is 76 times in 664 matches. He received this honor in 62 ODIs and 14 Tests. The Master Blaster's technique, patience, and dedication towards the game made him immortal in world cricket. Playing cricket for 24 years and proving himself in every era was his biggest achievement. Every great bowler struggled against the Mumbaikar, and he kept scoring runs on every ground. He has the most man of the match award in international cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar records are probably the most by any international cricketer so far. The Master Blaster was excellent throughout his glorious career, in which he broke several records. He won India a no. of games during his playing days and emerged as a clear match-winner for his team. As a result, he is the player with most man of the match in international cricket.