Cricket is a team game where every player contributes with the bat, bowl, or on the field. A player receives the “Man of the Match” award if he has an impact on the outcome of the result for the team. Scoring crucial runs for the team or taking important wickets are all considered while awarding the best player title to any player after a match. So, winning this award at the end of a game is a matter of pride for a player. It earns him respect in the dressing room and recognition as a principal player of the squad. This award generally goes to the player of the winning team. Following are the players who have won this award many times for India.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Any cricketer or any fan is not unfamiliar with the name Sachin Tendulkar. Considered a legend, Tendulkar has become the God of cricket. Sachin won 62 and 14 “Man Of The Match” awards in 463 ODIs and 200 Tests; the most by any Indian cricketer ever. His dominance with the bat over mighty bowler earned him all the respect that he got. Sachin rescued his team on crucial occasions by scoring the much-needed runs and steering the team to victory. He was often the point of difference, opening the innings and giving his team the brilliant start that his team craved.
2. Virat Kohli
With a rating of 911, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli ranks 6th as the Men’s All-Time Best Player among the likes of Viv Richards, Brian Lara and Greg Chappel. Virat is currently the best Indian Batsman who scores essential runs for his team. In the last ten years, Virat has proven himself as a batter, an excellent fielder and a capable leader, making innumerable contributions to the team. Virat Kohli has won the Man Of The Match award on 38,15 and 10 occasions in 268 ODIs, 115 T20Is and 109 Tests, respectively. The greatest chase master, Virat’s stats while batting second in ODIs is unparallel. He is one of the jewels Indian cricket had of all time.
3. Sourav Ganguly
Widely regarded as the Prince of Calcutta, Sourav Ganguly revolutionized Indian Cricket. He took bold decisions and roped in more youngsters who gradually became the backbone of Indian Cricket. Known as the "King of Offside", his cover drive was a treat to the eyes. He is the only player to have won 4 consecutive Man Of the Match awards. He was declared the Man Of The Match on 31 occasions for his contribution with the bat in those matches.
4. Yuvraj Singh
One of the fiercest batters of the Indian middle order was Yuvraj Singh. He not only contributed to the team by scoring crucial runs during run chases but also, he took important wickets during matches. Some critics believe that Yuvraj Singh helped India to lift the World Cup in 2011. He holds the record of six sixes in an over bowled by Stuart Broad. Yuvraj won the Man Of The Match award 27 times in ODI and 7 times in T20Is. In those 27 times, he won the award 4 times in WC 2011 and won the "Player of the Tournament" title.
5. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag was probably one of the few players who popularized the bazzball form of cricket, which interfered with the mindset of the bowler. A promising opener for India in all formats of the game, he went on to score dozens of runs for his nation. His aggression and hard-hitting helped India win uncountable games. Sehwag had won the Man Of The Match title 8 times in tests and 22 times in ODIs. He is the only Indian who scored two triple centuries in Tests.
6. Rohit Sharma
Rohit is the current captain of India’s Men Cricket team in all formats. He is best known for his elegance, timing, six-hitting abilities, and leadership skills. He is considered one the best batsman and best openers for his team in this generation. He is the only player who has scored three double hundred in ODIs. He won the Man of the Match title 21 times in ODIs and 12 times in T20Is. Though trolled often for his fitness issues, Rohit has always been a principal member of the Indian Squad who has contributed many runs to the team and won matches while chasing a game.
7. MS Dhoni
Called “Captain Cool” by the critics and his fellow teammates, MS Dhoni took India to new levels in international cricket. He is the only Indian Captain who has won all the ICC trophies. He is well known for his finishing, hard-hitting and leadership qualities. He was dignified, a statesman, a decision maker and a calm soul under extreme stress. He was unstoppable in chasing and his ability to finish games was unparallel. He earned the Man of the Match title on 21 occasions in ODIs.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
Currently ranked as the number one Test Bowler in ICC rankings, Ashwin has always proved to be a game changer for India in many matches. His orthodox off-break has broken through the defenses of many batters and has put India one step ahead every time. He has won nine Man Of The Series award, the most by any Indian. He won the Man Of The Match award nine times in Test cricket, thrice in ODIs and four times in T20Is. Perhaps, he is one of the few bowlers who have achieved 470 plus wickets and 4000 plus runs in international cricket.
9. Rahul Dravid
Known for his classic batting technique, Rahul Dravid is considered one of the best batsmen in cricket. Colloquially referred to as “The Wall”, Rahul Dravid is there only batsman who has faced over 31,000 balls in the longest format of cricket. The former Indian Captain is known for his patience and ability to hang on the pitch despite unfavorable circumstances. There were hundreds of occasions when Dravid alone saved India from a sinking game. Currently, Dravid is the Head Coach of Team India. He won the Man Of The Match award 11 times and 14 times in Tests and ODIs, respectively.
10. Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja has been the most decorated all-rounder of the last decade scoring over 6000 runs and taking 500-plus wickets across all forms of the game. He is a crucial member of the Indian squad who enjoyed the confidence of Dhoni. Former South Africa batter Jonty Rhodes, widely regarded as one of the best fielders the game has ever seen, once said that Jadeja is the best fielder the cricketing world would ever witness. Jadeja had been crowned with the Man Of The Match title 12, 9 and 3 times respectively, in ODIs, Tests and T20Is. One such Man Of The Match winning performance came from the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, where he helped India lift the cup.
