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Rohit Sharma added another feather to his glittering Indian Premier League (IPL) cap on Sunday (April 20) by becoming the Indian cricketer with the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards in the tournament’s history.
Rohit Sharma responds back strongly with 20th POTM award in IPL history
The milestone came during Mumbai Indians’ high-profile clash against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, where the seasoned opener played a vintage knock. Rohit remained unbeaten on 76 off just 45 deliveries, helping MI clinch a dominant 9-wicket win. His elegant strokeplay and calculated aggression dismantled the CSK bowling unit, earning him his first POTM award of the 2025 season and 20th overall in IPL history. This performance propelled him past fellow Indian greats like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, who have also vied for the top spot on this prestigious list. Rohit’s longevity, leadership, and ability to deliver on big occasions continue to cement his legacy as one of IPL’s most impactful performers.
Kohli and MS Dhoni still in the hunt, but Rohit sets the benchmark
On the same day Rohit reclaimed the lead, Kohli had briefly drawn level at 19 POTM awards with a solid unbeaten 73 against Punjab Kings, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant win in Mullanpur. Kohli, who had earlier left behind MS Dhoni’s tally of 18, looked primed to overtake Rohit, but the MI skipper responded just hours later with his own match-winning display. Meanwhile, Dhoni, who remains a beloved figure in the IPL circuit had moved to 18 POTM awards earlier in the week with a thrilling performance against Lucknow Super Giants. Although Kohli and Dhoni remain in close contention, Rohit’s lead now places added pressure on the chasing pack. His consistency and impact in crucial situations have allowed him to stay a step ahead in this elite race among Indian cricketing legends.
Full list of most Player of the Match awards by an Indian in the IPL T20
Here is the complete list of Indian players with the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards in IPL history:
- 20 – Rohit Sharma
- 19 – Virat Kohli
- 18 – MS Dhoni
- 16 – Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja
- 15 – KL Rahul
While Rohit now tops the chart for Indian players, the all-time leaderboard continues to be dominated by two overseas giants: AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. The South African maestro de Villiers, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and electrifying T20 players, holds the record for the most Man of the Match awards in IPL history with 25.
His former RCB teammate and fellow power-hitter Chris Gayle follows closely with 22, having dazzled crowds over the years with explosive batting displays. Australia’s David Warner is also among the elite with 18 POTM awards, proving his mettle across multiple franchises. These foreign stalwarts have been instrumental in shaping the IPL’s global appeal, and their records remain towering. Rohit’s 20th award places him in elite company, and while he edges out his Indian peers, he now finds himself within touching distance of these IPL icons on the overall leaderboard.
