Virandeep Singh to Virat Kohli: Most Player of the Match awards in T20Is

Virandeep Singh to Virat Kohli: Most Player of the Match awards in T20Is

Every cricketer dreams of scoring a hundred or taking a five-wicket haul. But there is another achievement that often says even more about a player’s value to the team- winning the Player of the Match award.

Virandeep Singh. (Credits: Instagram)

These awards aren’t handed out for reputation. They’re earned by making the biggest difference on the day. Sometimes it’s a blistering century, sometimes a match-winning spell, and sometimes it’s an all-round effort that changes the course of the game.

The current list of players with the most Player of the Match awards in men’s T20Is is an interesting one.

(Note: The list features stars from both Full Members and Associate nations).

1. Virandeep Singh

Let’s be honest. Not many cricket fans would have guessed that Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh sits at the top of this list. His record deserves far more appreciation

Yet here he is with 24 Player of the Match awards in 122 T20Is.

That tells you everything about the role he has played for Malaysia over the years. He has often been the player his team turns to, whether it’s with the bat, the ball or in pressure situations.

Players from Associate nations rarely receive the recognition they deserve because they don’t play in front of massive crowds or feature in the biggest tournaments every year. But records like this deserve attention. Virandeep hasn’t just been consistent—he has been decisive.

2. Sikandar Raza

If Zimbabwe have enjoyed memorable moments in T20 cricket over the past decade, there’s a good chance Sikandar Raza had something to do with them.

His 21 Player of the Match awards reflect years of carrying responsibility. Some days he rescues the batting. On others, he breaks partnerships with the ball. That’s what makes him so valuable.

Raza may not always dominate headlines like some of the bigger names in world cricket, but ask any opposition captain and they’ll tell you he’s one player capable of changing a match in a matter of overs.

3. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav’s rise has been incredibly quick. He made his T20I debut much later than many modern stars, but he already has 17 Player of the Match awards in only 113 games. That’s an outstanding return.

His batting has changed the way many people look at T20 cricket. The shots behind square, the fearless intent and the ability to attack almost every delivery have made him one of the most entertaining players in the format.

If he stays fit and continues playing at this level, don’t be surprised if he eventually tops this list.

4. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli finished his T20I career with 16 Player of the Match awards. On paper, that places him fourth. But numbers don’t always tell the full story. His numbers carry extra weight

Many of Kohli’s match-winning performances came on the biggest stages. It came against the strongest teams and under enormous pressure, especially while chasing impossible-looking targets. He repeatedly delivered when India needed him most. He was named the Player of the Match for his match-winning 76 against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024 final.

5. Sami Sohail

Malawi’s Sami Sohail completes the top five with 15 Player of the Match awards from just 70 matches. As an all-rounder, Sohail contributes in both departments. He is known for scoring quick runs in the middle order and also picking up useful wickets with the ball.