In the history of the T20 World Cup, there have been instances when one player has stood out as the pivotal force for their team. While winning the World Cup is a significant achievement, individual players can still receive awards for their exceptional performances. Virat Kohli exemplifies this, collecting awards even in losing circumstances. However, several players have earned recognition based on their outstanding contributions throughout the tournament.
Over nine editions of the T20 World Cup, some players have consistently emerged as match-winners. While many have excelled in key matches, only a few have repeatedly secured the Player of the Match (POTM) titles.
Who holds the record for the most POTM awards in T20 World Cup history?
Virat Kohli’s impact in the T20 World Cups is evident in his collection of eight Player of the Match awards, the highest ever in the tournament’s history. His skill in pacing his innings and finishing strong has troubled many teams for over a decade.
Notable performances include his unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in 2022 and a vital 76 in the 2024 final against South Africa.
Kohli is also the only cricketer to win the Player of the Tournament award twice (2014, 2016), solidifying his status as a top performer in crucial matches.
The Elite Five-Award Group
Four players share the second position, each leading their teams to victories five times.
Chris Gayle (West Indies): Known as the “Universe Boss,” Gayle’s power hitting helped him achieve five POTM awards, including two centuries that showcased T20 batting at its best.
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): A masterful batsman, Jayawardene earned his five awards through his elegant strokeplay and strategic gameplay during the tournament’s earlier years.
Shane Watson (Australia): Watson’s exceptional performance in the 2012 T20 World Cup remains remarkable. He won four consecutive POTM awards, significantly influencing the tournament’s outcome.
Adam Zampa (Australia): Zampa is the newest member of this group, quickly establishing himself as a key match-winner for Australia. His five awards, primarily from the 2021 and 2024 tournaments, highlight the effectiveness of leg-spin bowling in T20 Cricket.
Read Also | T20 World Cup 2026: 5 Overseas Players Who Shine in Indian Conditions
Players with at least four POTM awards in T20 World Cups
| Player | Team | Awards | Matches |
| Virat Kohli | India | 8 | 35 |
| Adam Zampa | Australia | 5 | 21 |
| Shane Watson | Australia | 5 | 24 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 5 | 31 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 5 | 33 |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 4 | 30 |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 4 | 34 |
