Top 3 players with most Player of the Match awards in ODIs with Virat Kohli

The BCA Stadium in Vadodara witnessed another running masterclass on Sunday as India scored a thrilling four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first ODI. Chasing a competitive goal of 301, the Men in Blue found their foothold in Virat Kohliwhose sublime 93 balls out of 91 set the tone for victory. While New Zealand fought back late in the match, vital contributions from KL Rahul (29*) and Harshit Rana (29) took India across the line with an over to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Virat Kohli wins Player of the Match for his batting skills

It was a landmark evening for the former Indian captain. While he narrowly missed out on his 54th ODI century, falling to Kyle Jamieson halfway through for a well-made 93 – his innings made the difference between the two teams. Interlaced with eight fours and sixes, Kohli’s knock stabilized the chase after the early overs slump, demonstrating his precision and intent.

This match-winning performance earned Kohli his 45th Player of the match (POTM) reward in ODI. During the post-match presentation, a humble Kohli revealed a heartwarming detail about his accolades, sharing that he sends all his trophies to his mother in Gurugram, who loves to keep them. With this latest honour, Kohli has further cemented his place among the pantheon of ODI greats, moving closer to first place in the all-time rankings.

Most player of the match awards in ODI history

With his exploits in Vadodara, Kohli strengthened his hold in the elite list of players who have won the most Man of the Match awards in the 50-over format. Let’s take a look at the legendary trio that tops this illustrious list:

3) Virat Kohli (India) – 45 awards

Often hailed as the greatest chaser the game has ever known, Kohli’s 45th award is a testament to his incredible consistency over almost two decades. His ability to pace an innings and absorb pressure has led to countless Indian victories. Unlike the explosive openers above him on this list, Kohli’s rewards often come from hard, high-pressure hits in the middle order, making his tally particularly impressive. With his current form, he should overtake second place very soon.

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2) Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 48 awards

Legend of Sri Lanka Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI cricket in the 90s with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. He ranks second on the list with 48 awards in 445 matches. A true all-rounder, Jayasuriya has often earned this honor not only for his explosive centuries but also for his nifty left-arm spin, which broke many crucial partnerships. He remains one of the most memorable match winners in the history of the format.

1) Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 62 awards

Sitting comfortably at the top is the phenomenon Sachin Tendulkar. With a staggering 62 awards in 463 matches, Tendulkar’s record seems almost untouchable. His career spanned generations and his ability to dominate attacks across different eras and conditions gave him unrivaled longevity. For Kohli to catch Tendulkar, he would need another round of sustained dominance, but for now, the Master Blaster reigns supreme.

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