Like all team sports, cricket has the potential for one player to significantly impact a match, often resulting in that player receiving the Man of the Match award. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the player who consistently made the difference was legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most Man of the Match awards in ODI history.
Tendulkar served Indian cricket for over two decades, inspiring generations with his batting prowess and carrying the hopes of millions through six ODI World Cups. Though he shared the field with other cricket greats like Brian Lara, Sourav Ganguly, and Ricky Ponting, Tendulkar’s consistency in the 50-over format remained unmatched.
Here, we look at the top 10 cricketers with the most Man of the Match awards in ODI cricket.
Top 10 Players with the Most Man of the Match Awards in ODI Cricket:–
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Man of the Match Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 62 |
| 2 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 48 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | 295 | 41 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 328 | 32 |
| 5 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 375 | 32 |
| 6 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 398 | 32 |
| 7 | Sir Viv Richards | West Indies | 187 | 31 |
| 8 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 311 | 31 |
| 9 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 31 |
| 10 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 299 | 30 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar | 62 Man of the Match Awards
Known as the “Master Blaster,” Sachin Tendulkar was arguably the most influential cricketer in the ODI format. He debuted on December 18, 1989, against a formidable Pakistan side and retired on March 18, 2012, also against Pakistan.
Tendulkar’s 23-year career included 49 ODI centuries, the most in the format, and a record-breaking 18,426 runs. His top ODI score came against South Africa in 2010 when he became the first player to score a double century in ODIs. Tendulkar played six World Cups, winning the 2011 edition. His 62 Man of the Match awards from 463 games, along with 15 Man of the Series awards, make him an icon in cricket history.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya | 48 Man of the Match Awards
Sanath Jayasuriya, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest players, revolutionized ODI batting with his explosive style during the 1996 World Cup. Debuting on December 26, 1989, against Australia, Jayasuriya amassed 13,430 runs and took 323 wickets, becoming one of the few players to score 10,000 runs and take 300 wickets in ODIs. He retired on June 28, 2011, and is celebrated for his all-round abilities and aggressive batting.
3. Virat Kohli | 41 Man of the Match Awards
Virat Kohli, India’s modern-day cricket icon, is the only active player on this list. Known as the “King of Cricket,” Kohli has dominated all formats and holds the record for most ODI centuries, surpassing Tendulkar during the 2023 World Cup semi-finals. With 13,906 runs, Kohli continues to add to his tally of Man of the Match awards, solidifying his place among the greats of the game.
4. Jacques Kallis | 32 Man of the Match Awards
One of the finest all-rounders, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis had a remarkable 18-year career, debuting on January 9, 1996. Scoring 11,579 runs and taking 273 wickets in ODIs, Kallis was a crucial figure in South Africa’s success. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball earned him 32 Man of the Match awards.
5. Ricky Ponting | 32 Man of the Match Awards
Australia’s Ricky Ponting, one of the most successful captains in cricket, dominated ODI cricket in the middle order. Debuting on February 15, 1995, against South Africa, Ponting accumulated 13,704 runs, including 30 centuries. As captain, he led Australia to World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, and his aggressive batting earned him 32 Man of the Match awards.
6. Shahid Afridi | 32 Man of the Match Awards
Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive batting, debuted on October 2, 1996. Famous for his 37-ball century, Afridi’s all-round abilities, including 395 wickets, made him a fan favorite. His aggressive style and impactful performances earned him 32 Man of the Match awards, along with the nickname “Boom Boom.”
7. Sir Vivian Richards | 31 Man of the Match Awards
West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards revolutionized ODI batting with his fearless approach. Debuting on June 7, 1975, Richards is regarded as one of the most complete batsmen ever. His unbeaten 189 against England in 1984 remains one of the greatest ODI innings. Richards retired in 1991, having scored 6,721 runs and inspired a generation of cricketers.
8. Sourav Ganguly | 31 Man of the Match Awards
Sourav Ganguly, India’s influential captain, debuted on January 11, 1992. Known for his aggressive batting and leadership, Ganguly scored 11,363 runs, including 22 centuries, and led India to the 2003 World Cup final. His 183 against Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup is one of his most memorable innings.
9. Kumar Sangakkara | 31 Man of the Match Awards
Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara was an elegant batsman and wicketkeeper, amassing 14,234 ODI runs, including 25 centuries. His unbeaten 169 against India in 2005 showcased his brilliance. Sangakkara was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 2011 World Cup campaign and retired in 2015 after an illustrious career.
10. Brian Lara | 30 Man of the Match Awards
West Indies’ Brian Lara, one of the most stylish left-handed batsmen, debuted on November 9, 1990. Known for his flair and technical prowess, Lara scored 10,405 runs in ODIs, including 19 centuries. His highest ODI score of 169 came against Sri Lanka in 1999, and while his ODI contributions were significant, he is best remembered for his unbeaten 400 in Test cricket.
While the Man of the Match award often goes to batsmen for their match-winning performances, these players proved their immense value to their teams through consistency, skill, and game-changing contributions.