The Indian Premier League has served as an incredible pool of talent where domestic and foreign players jostle to create glory. Since its inception in 2008, the cash-rich league has seen the birth of numerous high-profile figures loaded with exceptional talent and match-winning abilities. However, only a select few go on to etch their name in the record books on the back of their ground-breaking exploits. Such players tend to stand out from the crowd when winning becomes a regular occurrence for them.

In this article, we will uncover the top five players who have received the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards in the history of IPL.

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AB de Villiers (Delhi Daredevils & Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 25 awards

The South African legend, known for his innovative batting and a vast repertoire of shots in his book, tops the list with 25 awards to his name. De Villiers made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils in the 2008 season. He stayed with the franchise for three seasons and featured in 28 games before moving to RCB in 2011. His fortune changed once and for all when he joined the Bangalore-based outfit. De Villiers achieved an incredible amount of success with RCB. The former Protea legend finished his stint with RCB on a high, becoming the second-highest run scorer for them with 2001 runs across 58 innings. He played his best IPL innings of 129* and averaged over 40 for RCB across 10 seasons. 

Chris Gayle (Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore & Punjab Kings) – 22 awards

The Universe Boss, hailing from an exotic island of Jamaica, needs no introduction. Gayle has been a destructive force in the IPL and a deadly threat for the bowlers to contend with. The Caribbean dynamite earned 22 POTM awards in 142 matches, making him the second-highest receiver of this prestigious award. Fans have good fond memories of Gayle massacring the bowlers mercilessly across several IPL editions. During his prime days, once he would get into his zone, no force in the world could ever hold him back. The 45-year-old has been a part of three IPL franchises. He made his debut with KKR and showcased some early flashes of brilliance before moving to RCB, where he spent the majority of his IPL career. His score of 175* against Pune in the 2013 season remains his career best score in the IPL. Overall, Gayle had a very illustrious IPL career, amassing 4965 across 141 innings, averaging just under 40.

Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers & Mumbai Indians) – 21 awards

The former Mumbai Indians captain, with his consistent batting and leadership, has secured 20 POTM awards in 264 matches. His most recent POTM award came during MI's do-or-die Eliminator clash against GT on May 30. Rohit came out to bat with a positive intent and deflated the Titans in the first half by slamming an impressive 81 to keep his side alive for the Qualifier 2 game. The World Cup-winning captain has been associated with two IPL franchises. His career began with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers in the 2008 season. Although he was used primarily as a spin-bowling all-rounder in those days, Rohit's batting blossomed over the years and skyrocketed to the next level when he joined MI in 2011. Rohit is now the highest run-getter for MI with 2784 runs across 104 innings. The 38-year-old played a pivotal role with the bat and on the back of his uncanny captaincy abilities, MI succeeded in securing five title wins. His ability to stand up for his side in dire situations distinguishes him from some of the best in the business. 

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 19 awards

The former RCB captain, known for his aggressive batting, has earned 19 POTM awards in 260 matches. Virat Kohli has been around in the IPL for a lifetime. And unlike some of his comrades, Virat never switched his allegiance. Virat began his career with RCB in 2008 and has stayed with them ever since his debut. Virat's match-winning abilities are second to none. Also dubbed Chase Master, Virat relishes the challenge of batting last, as most of RCB's wins have come in the second innings whenever Virat scores big. In the 2025 season alone, the 36-year-old has played some absolute blinders to take RCB all the way to the final. He is now the leading run scorer for his franchise this season, along with Phil Salt. The Indian legend has featured in a whopping 226 games and holds eight IPL hundreds whilst averaging a shade below 40. 

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) – 18 awards

India's all-time great isn't too far behind in the list with 18 POTM awards in 278 games. Notably, Dhoni has become the oldest player to receive the IPL Player of the Match award, surpassing former Rajasthan Royals leg-spinner Pravin Tambe. Known for his exhilarating hitting at the death and lauded by many for his tactical brilliance, Dhoni has been a true asset for CSK and also for his national side. On the back of his captaincy alone, CSK has won five IPL titles, making them the joint-most successful team along with MI. His association with the cash-rich league began in 2008 when he joined CSK. The 43-year-old never looked back since that day and has gone on to feature in 278 games for CSK. Dhoni has recorded 5439 runs at a stunning average of 38.3, which included his career-best score of 83*. In addition, he has also effected 158 catches and 47 stumping chances, making him one of the most athletic wicketkeepers in modern-day cricket.

The above-mentioned players have consistently delivered match-winning performances, making them the top five players to have ever earned the most POTM awards as of the IPL 2025 season. Out of the top five, Virat, Rohit, and Dhoni are the only three players who haven't announced their retirement from this league.