AB de Villiers leads IPL history with 25 Man Of The Match awards in 184 matches. Known as Mr. 360, he mixed outrageous strokeplay with elite fielding and game-changing impact.
But this race is packed with giants. Chris Gayle follows with 22 awards in 142 matches, Rohit Sharma has 21 in 276, while Virat Kohli has 19 in 272. MS Dhoni and David Warner both sit on 18. These awards are not about fame. They are earned when one player dominates the match.
Here are the top 10 players with the most Man Of The Match awards in IPL history.
Most Man Of The Match In IPL History: Top 10 Rankings
The 10 biggest IPL game-changers ranked by Man Of The Match awards, led by AB de Villiers with a record 25 wins.
| Rank | Player | Awards | Matches | Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AB de Villiers | 25 | 184 | 2008-2021 |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 22 | 142 | 2009-2021 |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | 21 | 276 | 2008-2026 |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | 19 | 272 | 2008-2026 |
| 5 | MS Dhoni | 18 | 278 | 2008-2025 |
| 6 | David Warner | 18 | 184 | 2009-2024 |
| 7 | Sunil Narine | 17 | 193 | 2012-2026 |
| 8 | Ravindra Jadeja | 16 | 259 | 2008-2026 |
| 9 | Yusuf Pathan | 16 | 174 | 2008-2019 |
| 10 | Andre Russell | 16 | 140 | 2012-2025 |
1. AB de Villiers – 25 Man Of The Match Awards
25 awards in 184 matches means one award every 7.36 games. No player has a higher total on this list.
He scored 5,162 IPL runs at 39.71 average and 151.69 strike rate, plus 3 centuries and 40 fifties. Those are elite middle-order numbers.
He often batted after early wickets, meaning fewer balls and more pressure. Even then, he kept winning matches. Add top-level fielding and wicketkeeping, and his total impact becomes clear.
Several players below him crossed 250 matches. None crossed 25 awards.
2. Chris Gayle – 22 Man Of The Match Awards
22 awards in only 142 matches gives Gayle one award every 6.45 games, a better rate than most names here.
He scored 4,965 runs at 39.72 average and 148.96 strike rate with 6 centuries and 31 fifties. He also hit a record 357 sixes.
His 175* remains the highest score in IPL history. Few players could decide a game inside 10 overs the way Gayle could.
He played 42 fewer matches than AB de Villiers and still finished only 3 awards behind him.
3. Rohit Sharma – 21 Man Of The Match Awards
21 awards across 276 matches show Rohit’s value came through longevity and repeat success over many seasons.
He represented Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians across the 2008-2026 span, listed in your data. Few players remained relevant that long.
Rohit’s game was built on timing, placement, and pacing innings rather than constant brute force. That style helped him survive changing bowling eras.
Only AB de Villiers and Gayle sit above him despite Rohit playing the most matches among the top three.
4. Virat Kohli – 19 Man Of The Match Awards
19 awards in 272 matches while staying with one franchise throughout the period listed is elite consistency.
Kohli remained a top-order anchor and aggressor across multiple IPL eras. That responsibility usually brings pressure, not longevity.
He is known for chases, fitness, and converting starts into big scores. Those traits often create award-winning innings.
Only three players in this ranking are ahead of him, despite him carrying top-order workload for years.
5. MS Dhoni – 18 Man Of The Match Awards
18 awards in 278 matches is impressive because Dhoni’s role was different from most names above him.
He often batted late, meaning fewer balls faced and fewer chances to build large scores. His highest IPL score in your data is 84*.
That number reflects role clarity. He was usually finishing chases or adding late runs, not batting 20 overs.
Even with limited batting time, he matched Warner’s tally and stayed inside the top five.
6. David Warner – 18 Man Of The Match Awards
18 awards in only 184 matches gives Warner the same total as Dhoni in 94 fewer games.
That difference highlights how often Warner’s top-order runs directly shaped results. Opening batters can control matches early, and Warner did that repeatedly.
He played for Delhi Daredevils, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad across 2009-2024 in your data.
Matching Dhoni’s total in far fewer appearances makes Warner one of the most efficient names in this list.
7. Sunil Narine – 17 Man Of The Match Awards
17 awards in 193 matches without being a specialist batter makes Narine’s tally stand out.
He first built value as a mystery spinner, controlling scoring rates and taking wickets. Later, he added explosive opening batting.
Very few IPL players have won awards through two completely different skillsets. Narine did exactly that.
He also owns 2 Series Awards in your data, more than most names listed here.
8. Ravindra Jadeja – 16 Man Of The Match Awards
16 awards in 259 matches shows Jadeja’s value came through complete all-round contribution.
He represented Rajasthan Royals, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Gujarat Lions, and Chennai Super Kings across 2008-2026.
Jadeja can impact games with bat, ball, and fielding in the same match. That creates awards without needing huge scores.
Many players rely on one skill. Jadeja built his tally through three.
9. Yusuf Pathan – 16 Man Of The Match Awards
16 awards in 174 matches show how destructive Yusuf Pathan was in his prime years.
He played for Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2008 and 2019.
His biggest strength was changing tempo instantly. Middle overs could become match-winning overs within minutes once he attacked spin.
He also contributed useful outs, making him more than just a power hitter.
10. Andre Russell – 16 Man Of The Match Awards
16 awards in only 140 matches give Russell one of the strongest efficiency records in this top 10.
He played for Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders between 2012 and 2025 in your data.
Russell can influence matches with 20-ball cameos, pace bowling, and fielding. That means he does not need long innings to win awards.
Among players with 16 awards, he reached the mark in the fewest matches listed here.
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion: AB de Villiers’ 25 Awards Still Lead the Most Man Of The Match In IPL History
AB de Villiers’ 25 Man Of The Match awards remain the benchmark in IPL history. He reached the top in only 184 matches, fewer than Rohit Sharma’s 276, Virat Kohli’s 272, MS Dhoni’s 278, and Ravindra Jadeja’s 259.
Chris Gayle’s 22 came through unmatched power in just 142 matches. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli built their tallies through long-term consistency. Dhoni mastered finishing roles, while Andre Russell reached 16 in only 140 games.
Ten players entered this top 10 through completely different styles. That contrast is what makes this ranking special.
