Most Player of the Match Awards in ODI Cricket: Top 15 Players

One Day International (ODI) cricket has produced some of the greatest match-winners in cricket history. From Sachin Tendulkar's batting masterclasses to Sanath Jayasuriya's explosive opening performances, several players have regularly changed the result of matches through individual brilliance.

The Player of the Match award recognises the cricketer who makes the most important contribution to a particular game. Sachin Tendulkar holds the all-time record with 62 ODI awards. Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya follows him with 48, while India's Virat Kohli occupies third place with 45 awards.

Let's explore the Most Player of the Match Awards in ODI Cricket, the leading international match-winners, India's top performers and the records that make these players special.

Top 15 Players With the Most Player of the Match Awards in ODI Cricket

The following ranking features the leading ODI match-winners based on their total Player of the Match awards. Players with equal award counts share the same rank.

Statistics compiled from ODI records available on 5 November 2026. Career appearances for active players reflect their latest completed matches. Tied award counts share the same ranking.

These figures highlight the importance of consistency in ODI cricket. Tendulkar's 62 awards remain a significant distance ahead of the other players.

Who Has Won the Most Player of the Match Awards in ODI Cricket?

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in ODI cricket, with 62 victories in 463 matches.

He represented India between 1989 and 2012 and scored 18,426 ODI runs at an average of 44.83. His career included 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.

Tendulkar could dominate bowling attacks in different conditions. His ability to score big hundreds, build partnerships and perform under pressure made him one of India's greatest match-winners.

He also received 14 Player of the Match awards in Test cricket, taking his total international Player of the Match awards to 76.

Sanath Jayasuriya is second with 48 ODI awards, while Virat Kohli follows with 45. Tendulkar's record remains the benchmark for individual match-winning performances in the format.

Top 5 Players With the Most ODI Player of the Match Awards

This section highlights the five leading ODI match-winners based on their Player of the Match awards. It explores their achievements, career records and memorable performances that helped their teams win crucial matches.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 62 Awards

Tendulkar's record reflects his extraordinary consistency over a career spanning more than two decades. He scored 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs.

His memorable performances include his unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010, which made him the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket.

He also holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in ODI World Cup history, with nine.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya – 48 Awards

Sanath Jayasuriya transformed ODI opening batting through his aggressive approach. He scored 13,430 runs in 445 matches and also took 323 wickets.

His attacking performances at the top of the order helped Sri Lanka become a dominant force in limited-overs cricket.

Jayasuriya was particularly important during Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning campaign. His aggressive batting changed how teams approached the opening overs.

3. Virat Kohli – 45 Awards

Virat Kohli is India's leading active ODI player in this ranking. As of 5 November 2026, he has played 318 ODIs and scored 15,183 runs.

He is known for chasing targets under pressure and converting important starts into match-winning centuries.

His unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012 and 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup are two memorable examples of his ODI match-winning ability.

Kohli continues to challenge several major batting records and remains the closest active player to Tendulkar's award tally.

4. Jacques Kallis – 32 Awards

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis won 32 ODI Player of the Match awards in 328 appearances.

He scored 11,579 runs and took 273 wickets in the format.

Kallis could change matches with both bat and ball. His ability to contribute in different situations made him one of the most valuable all-rounders in ODI history.

5. Ricky Ponting and Shahid Afridi – 32 Awards Each

Ricky Ponting and Shahid Afridi share the fourth position in the overall ranking.

Ponting scored 13,704 runs in 375 ODIs for Australia. He was an important part of Australia's successful teams and delivered several memorable performances in major tournaments.

Shahid Afridi played 398 ODIs for Pakistan. He scored 8,064 runs and took 395 wickets. His aggressive batting and leg-spin bowling made him a dangerous match-winner.

Most Player of the Match Awards by Indian Players

India has produced several outstanding ODI match-winners. Sachin Tendulkar leads the Indian list, followed by Virat Kohli and Sourav Ganguly.

Tendulkar's contribution came through his consistency and ability to play long innings. Kohli has built his reputation through successful run chases and hundreds under pressure.

Ganguly played an important role as both a batter and captain. Yuvraj Singh delivered important all-round performances, particularly during India's 2011 World Cup campaign.

Rohit Sharma has produced several outstanding ODI innings, including his record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. MS Dhoni was famous for his finishing ability and calm approach in difficult situations.

Most Player of the Match Awards by Overseas Players

Several overseas legends have also produced remarkable match-winning performances in ODI cricket.

Vivian Richards scored 6,721 ODI runs in 187 matches and was known for his aggressive batting.

Kumar Sangakkara scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs and was one of Sri Lanka's most dependable batters.

Brian Lara scored 10,405 runs in 299 matches. His ability to play big innings made him a major threat to opposition teams.

These players show that match-winning contributions can come from different batting styles and roles.

Active Players With the Most ODI Player of the Match Awards

Among current ODI players, Virat Kohli leads this ranking with 45 Player of the Match awards. Rohit Sharma follows with 27.

Both players remain active in ODI cricket as of November 2026.

Kohli's 45 awards put him 17 behind Tendulkar's record. His recent performances, including a 74-run innings against New Zealand on 4 November 2026, demonstrate his continued contribution to India's ODI batting.

Rohit Sharma has also established himself as one of India's most successful ODI openers. His 27 awards reflect his ability to produce big scores and give India strong starts.

Although neither player has reached Tendulkar's record, both have built impressive careers through consistent performances.

Other Interesting ODI Player of the Match Records

ODI cricket has produced several other important Player of the Match achievements.

Most World Cup Player of the Match Awards

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with nine Player of the Match awards in ODI World Cup matches.

He achieved this across six World Cup appearances between 1992 and 2011.

Most Awards by an Indian Player

Sachin Tendulkar leads all Indian cricketers with 62 ODI awards. Virat Kohli is second with 45.

All-Rounders Who Made a Difference

Jacques Kallis, Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya and Shakib Al Hasan demonstrated that match-winning performances are not limited to batting.

Their contributions with both bat and ball helped their teams win important ODI matches.

Players Who Dominated Through Batting

Tendulkar, Kohli, Ponting and Lara regularly won awards through important batting performances. Their centuries and match-winning partnerships made them valuable players for their respective countries.

Conclusion

The Most Player of the Match Awards in ODI Cricket ranking highlights the importance of individual performances in team success. Sachin Tendulkar remains the all-time leader with 62 awards, followed by Sanath Jayasuriya with 48 and Virat Kohli with 45.

Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to represent India's match-winning strength in modern ODI cricket. Meanwhile, legends such as Kallis, Ponting, Afridi and Richards have also left a lasting mark on the format.

Tendulkar's record remains a major benchmark, but the performances of active players will keep ODI cricket's individual records exciting for years to come.