Cricket is a game of performances, and some players have made a lasting impact with their match-winning abilities. The “Man of the Match” award is a recognition given to the player who has had the most significant impact on a game. Over the years, several cricketers have earned this prestigious award multiple times, proving their dominance across formats. Let’s take a detailed look at the top five players who have won the most Man of the Match awards in cricket history.
5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 50 Awards

Kumar Sangakkara, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, was a true match-winner for his team. Playing from 2000 to 2015, he featured in 594 international matches and won 50 Man of the Match awards. His elegant batting, combined with sharp wicket-keeping skills, made him an asset to the Sri Lankan side.
Sangakkara’s impact was felt in all three formats. He won 16 Man of the Match awards in Test cricket, 31 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 3 in T20Is. His ability to adapt to different match situations and his hunger for runs made him one of the most consistent players of his era. Some of his most memorable performances came in crucial matches, including his 2014 T20 World Cup final knock that guided Sri Lanka to victory.
Player | Span | Match | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
Sangakkara | 2000-15 | 594 | 50 | 16 | 31 | 3 |
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4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 57 Awards

Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, was a game-changer with both bat and ball. He played international cricket from 1995 to 2014 and won 57 Man of the Match awards in 519 matches. His ability to win games with his batting, bowling, and fielding made him one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Kallis was equally effective in Tests and ODIs. He secured 23 Man of the Match awards in Test cricket and 32 in ODIs. His ability to anchor an innings, accelerate when needed, and contribute with crucial breakthroughs made him a captain’s dream player. Despite playing fewer T20Is, he still managed to earn 2 awards in the format. His immense contribution to South African cricket ensured that the team remained competitive on the global stage.
Player | Span | Match | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
Kallis | 1995-14 | 519 | 57 | 23 | 32 | 2 |
3. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 58 Awards

Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized limited-overs cricket with his explosive batting at the top of the order. Playing for Sri Lanka from 1989 to 2011, he featured in 586 international matches and won 58 Man of the Match awards. His aggressive style of play laid the foundation for modern-day attacking openers.
Jayasuriya’s most significant impact was in ODIs, where he won 48 Man of the Match awards. His fearless approach in the first 15 overs redefined the role of an opener, making powerplay overs crucial in white-ball cricket. He also secured 6 awards in T20Is, proving his adaptability to the shortest format. Though his Test numbers were relatively lower, he still managed 4 Man of the Match awards in red-ball cricket.
His most iconic performances include his blistering 189 against India in the 2000 Champions Trophy final and several game-changing innings in World Cup matches. His all-round ability, with useful left-arm spin, added extra value to his match-winning contributions.
Player | Span | Match | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
Jayasuriya | 1989-11 | 586 | 58 | 4 | 48 | 6 |
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2. Virat Kohli (India) – 67 Awards

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket, and his impact on the game is undeniable. Since his debut in 2008, he has been a consistent match-winner for India. With 67 Man of the Match awards in 543 international matches (as of 2025), Kohli is still an active player and could break even more records.
Kohli’s Man of the Match awards are spread across formats. He has won 10 in Test cricket, 41 in ODIs, and 16 in T20Is. His aggressive mindset, impeccable chasing ability, and hunger for big runs make him one of the most dependable batsmen in the world.
One of his most memorable performances came against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup, where he single-handedly guided India to victory in a high-pressure run chase. His numerous ODI centuries while chasing targets have established him as one of the best chasers in cricket history. With years still left in his career, Kohli could challenge the all-time record.
Player | Span | Match | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
Kohli | 2008-25 | 543 | 67 | 16 | 41 | 16 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 76 Awards

At the top of the list is the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar. Playing from 1989 to 2013, Tendulkar dominated world cricket for over two decades. With 76 Man of the Match awards in 664 international matches, he remains the undisputed leader in this category.
Tendulkar won 62 Man of the Match awards in ODIs, 14 in Tests, and none in T20Is (as he played only one T20 international). His ability to perform under pressure, whether scoring a double century in ODIs or centuries against the best bowling attacks, made him a global cricketing icon.
Some of his most famous match-winning performances include his 143 against Australia in the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup and his 200* against South Africa in 2010, which made him the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs. His contribution to Indian cricket remains unparalleled, and his records continue to inspire future generations.
Player | Span | Match | Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
Sachin | 1989-13 | 664 | 76 | 14 | 62 | 0 |
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