Winning the Player of the Match (POTM) award is one of the biggest individual honours in cricket. It is given to the player who makes the most impact in a match—whether through batting, bowling, fielding, or an all-round performance. Over the years, many legends have dominated world cricket, but only a few have consistently delivered match-winning performances across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Here is a look at the players with the most POTM awards in international cricket.
Top Players With the Most POTM Awards (All Formats)
Most POTM (Player of the Match) Awards in International Cricket List:
| Rank | Player | Country | POTM Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 76 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 70 |
| 3 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 58 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 57 |
| 5 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 50 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 76 POTM Awards
Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with an unmatched record of 76 POTM awards. His consistency over 24 years, across all formats, makes him the most celebrated match-winner in cricket history.
2. Virat Kohli – 70 POTM Awards
Virat Kohli follows closely with 70 POTM awards. Known for his chase mastery and big-match temperament, Kohli remains one of the biggest match-winners in modern cricket. With years of cricket still left in him, he could challenge Sachin’s all-time record.
Read more: Virat Kohli Captaincy Record in Test
3. Sanath Jayasuriya – 58 POTM Awards
Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, famous for his explosive batting, has 58 awards. He changed the style of opening batting in ODIs and often won matches single-handedly.
4. Jacques Kallis – 57 POTM Awards
South African great Jacques Kallis has 57 POTM awards, making him one of the greatest all-rounders ever. His balance of batting and bowling made him a match-winner in all conditions.
5. Kumar Sangakkara – 50 POTM Awards
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara stands fifth with 50 awards. His elegant batting and consistent run-making kept Sri Lanka competitive across formats for many years.
Read more: Most POTM (Player of the Match) Awards in Asia Cup
Why This List Matters
- These awards show consistent match-winning ability.
- All players in the top five have influenced games across many years.
- It highlights how modern greats like Virat Kohli are matching the records of earlier legends.
Conclusion
The list of most Player of the Match awards shows how some cricketers have dominated world cricket for decades. As of 2025, Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top of the all-time POTM list, followed by Virat Kohli — two names that still define match-winning excellence. But in the dynamic world of modern cricket, players from newer generations are climbing the ranks, especially in shorter formats like T20Is.
