The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some of the most electrifying performances in the T20 format over the years. One of the most prestigious recognitions in an IPL match is the Player of the Match (POTM) award, given to the player who has the most significant impact on the outcome of the game.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 match, MS Dhoni, the legendary former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, turned back the clock with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 26 off 11 balls, helping his team chase down Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) total of 166/7 in just 19.3 overs.

This performance not only secured a much-needed win for CSK but also earned Dhoni his 18th Player of the Match award in IPL history, ending a 5-year POTM drought.

MS Dhoni’s Rise in the POTM Rankings

MS Dhoni, struggling with form and fitness this season, rolled back the years to not only help Chennai Super Kings (CSK) get the much-needed win but in the process also won the Player of the Match (POTM) award after a gap of 5 years. MS Dhoni won his 18^th Player of the Match (POTM) award at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.While even MS Dhoni was surprised receiving the award, with Shivam Dubey and others also playing crucial roles in the win, a happy captain accepted the award.Dhoni’s last Player of the Match (POTM) award came in the 2019 season when he made an unbeaten 44 against Delhi Capitals, helping Chennai Super Kings (CSK) win a crucial encounter.Dhoni now stands as the joint-second with the most Player of the Match (POTM) award for an Indian player, alongside his former India teammate, Virat Kohli.

Top 5 Players with Most POTM Awards in IPL History

5. David Warner – 18 POTM Awards

David Warner, the aggressive left-handed opener from Australia, has been one of the most successful overseas players in IPL history. Warner’s ability to take the attack to the bowlers right from ball one made him a nightmare for opposition teams.

• Franchise(s): Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad

• Total Runs: 6565

• Strike Rate: 139.77

• Average: 40.52

• 50s/100s: 62 fifties, 4 centuries

• Titles Won: 1 (2016 with SRH)

• Captaincy Highlight: Led SRH to their maiden IPL title in 2016 with 848 runs in the season

Why he stands out:
Warner’s consistency at the top of the order, leadership success, and explosive starts have often tilted games in his team’s favor. His record for the most fifties in IPL history speaks volumes about his reliability.

Impact: Even in games where SRH was struggling, Warner’s presence at the top often gave his team hope and stability.

4. Virat Kohli – 18 POTM Awards (Joint with MS Dhoni & Warner)

Virat Kohli is the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and one of the most passionate players in the league. Known for his unmatched work ethic and hunger for runs, Kohli’s loyalty to RCB has made him a cult hero.

• Franchise: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Total Runs: 8063 (highest in IPL history)

• Strike Rate: 130+

• 100s/50s: 7 centuries, 55 fifties

• Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards: 1

• Captaincy Highlight: Took RCB to the final in 2016

Why he stands out:
In 2016, Kohli had a dream season where he scored 973 runs, the highest by any player in a single IPL edition. Even without the captaincy, he continues to perform with the same intensity in IPL 2025.

Impact: Despite RCB’s lack of title wins, Kohli has consistently carried the team, earning several POTM awards through solo efforts in high-pressure chases and match-defining knocks.

3. Rohit Sharma – 19 POTM Awards

Often called the most successful IPL captain, Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL titles. Beyond captaincy, his effortless stroke play and ability to rise in big games have brought him multiple individual honors.

• Franchise(s): Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians

• Total Runs: 6628

• Average: 29.72

• Strike Rate: 130.14

• 50s/100s: 42 fifties, 1 century

• Titles Won: 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)

Why he stands out:
Rohit has the rare distinction of winning the Player of the Match award in an IPL Final (2015), a testament to his ability to step up on the biggest stage. While he now plays as a pure batter, his past as a match-winner and big-game performer continues to influence MI’s success.

Impact: Whether anchoring the innings or finishing games, Rohit has time and again shown why he is among the most valuable Indian players in IPL history.

2. Chris Gayle – 22 POTM Awards

Nicknamed the “Universe Boss”, Chris Gayle revolutionized T20 cricket with his raw power and fearlessness. A six-hitting machine, Gayle dominated bowling attacks with ease.

• Franchise(s): Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings

• Total Runs: 4965

• Strike Rate: 148.96

• 100s/50s: 6 centuries, 31 fifties

• Most Sixes in IPL: Over 350

Why he stands out:
Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history — 175* off 66 balls for RCB in 2013. His six centuries, including several match-winning performances, reflect his dominance.

Impact: Few players could change a match in a single over like Gayle. His presence alone was enough to intimidate opponents and rally crowds behind his team.

1. AB de Villiers – 25 POTM Awards

AB de Villiers, fondly known as Mr. 360, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and gifted batters in T20 cricket. His ability to play unconventional shots, adapt to any situation, and finish games made him a match-winner of the highest order.

• Franchise(s): Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Total Runs: 5162

• Strike Rate: 151.68

• 50s/100s: 40 fifties, 3 centuries

• Notable Skill: Electric fielder and part-time wicketkeeper

Why he stands out:
From helicopter shots to scoops and reverse pulls, AB had every stroke in the book. His knocks were often more than just high-scoring—they were miraculous match-savers and finishers.

Impact: AB de Villiers played numerous game-defining innings under pressure. His 25 POTM awards reflect his legendary consistency and ability to deliver in crunch moments.

Conclusion

The Player of the Match award in IPL is a tribute to individual brilliance in the world’s most competitive T20 league. These five legends—AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and David Warner (with MS Dhoni joining the 18-award club)—have redefined what it means to be match-winners.

While cricket remains a team game, these players have consistently stood out for their ability to seize the moment and turn games on their own.

Interestingly, three of these five players—Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Gayle—never won an IPL title, reminding us that even the greatest individual performers need the right team environment to lift trophies.