The Player of the Match (POTM) award in the IPL is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the tournament, honouring outstanding performances in a highly competitive setting. For MS Dhoni, capturing this award after five years in IPL 2025 was a significant moment in his career. His brilliant all-round display in the match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium was crucial, earning him the recognition.

Dhoni’s performance was highlighted by an unbeaten 26 off 11 balls, demonstrating his signature finishing ability under pressure. In addition, his sharp wicket-keeping skills, which resulted in two dismissals, further solidified his claim to the award. This victory marked Dhoni's 18th Player of the Match accolade in IPL history, with his last such win coming in the 2019 season when he scored an unbeaten 44 against Delhi Capitals.

With this award, Dhoni now shares the title of the second-highest Indian Player of the Match award winner in IPL history, tied with Virat Kohli. However, both are still behind the all-time leader, highlighting the exceptional level of competition in the IPL and Dhoni's continued importance in the league.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav shares what MS Dhoni said to Dube

Most Man of the Match awards in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several players delivering remarkable performances throughout the years, with the "Man of the Match" awards serving as a testament to their brilliance. AB de Villiers leads the chart with 25 awards, a true reflection of his exceptional all-round performances. Following him closely are Chris Gayle (22 awards) and Rohit Sharma (19 awards), whose explosive batting and leadership have earned them numerous accolades. Other legends like David Warner, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli each have 18 awards, showcasing their consistent impact in critical moments, while Shane Watson, Yusuf Pathan, and Sunil Narine have 16 awards each, solidifying their status as match-winners.

Players like KL Rahul, Andre Russell, and Ravindra Jadeja, all with 15 awards, highlight the versatility and skill across different roles in the IPL. KL Rahul's consistency with the bat, Russell's all-round dominance, and Jadeja's invaluable contributions with both bat and ball are reflected in their recognition. The ability to influence matches in various phases of play is what has earned them these prestigious honors. Collectively, this list represents the crème de la crème of IPL performers, each contributing immensely to the tournament's rich legacy.

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has showcased remarkable batting brilliance through unforgettable individual performances. Scoring half-centuries and centuries has become a symbol of consistency, skill, and flair. Over the years, a select group of standout players has dominated this category, earning their place among the top five all-time leaders for most 50+ scores with their unique contributions and impressive displays at the crease.

David Warner

Australian batter David Warner has achieved 66 fifty-plus scores from 184 innings. The combination of calculated aggression in his batting technique transformed Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals into powerful forces in the Indian Premier League. Warner emerges as a legendary T20 player because of his unmatched ability to control bowling attacks.

Virat Kohli

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli brought up fifty-plus scores in the same number of 66 matches through 248 innings. People venerate Kohli because his ability to sustain composure while pacing innings stands as an unmatchable advantage.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli marks 100th T20 Half-Century, becomes first Indian to achieve this feat

Shikhar Dhawan

The third-place spot for fifty-plus scores belongs to Shikhar Dhawan, who played 221 innings and scored 53 such innings. His stylish batwork has established him as a dependable run-maker for both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals during the IPL season.

Rohit Sharma

In 255 innings, Rohit Sharma scored 45 fifty-plus scores, which puts him at position number four. As Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma uses power together with elegance to lead his team to win multiple IPL trophies through his power-hitting leadership and bat talents.

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Highlights IPL 2025

AB de Villiers

As the final entry on the list, AB de Villiers scored 43 fifty-plus hits across 170 innings. His techniques for Royal Challengers Bengaluru received global admiration through memorable innings that built him into a star among fans.

The groundbreaking players have become the foundation of IPL by their exhilarating run-scoring performances. The IPL fans find inspiration from their constant success at scoring above 50 as these players excel through talent, flexibility, and style in play for the upcoming 2025 league.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a spectacular tournament showcasing breathtaking cricket over the years, and batsmen have been producing astonishing knocks time and again. The IPL has seen everything, ranging from power-hitting to graceful stroke play. Without further ado, let’s explore the top five sets of astonishing individual scores IPL has to offer:

Chris Gayle – 175 (66 balls) | RCB vs PWI, 2013*

CGS is not out; for sure, the score by Chris Gayle will last throughout IPL's existence. Hitting 175 runs single-handedly for Royal Challengers Bangalore with an exceptional strike rate of 265.15 earned Gayle a T20 record, which he still holds to this date, thanks to his jaw-dropping 17 sixes and 13 fours. Unleashing complete havoc on Pune Warriors India in Bengaluru will never be forgotten, nor will the chant “Gayle hit sixes” resonate throughout every IPL out there with 3-s reaching an unmatched feat.

Brendon McCullum – 158 (73 balls) | KKR vs RCB, 2008*

Also read: Top 5 fastest centuries while chasing in history of IPL

Setting the tone for the IPL, superstar player Brendon McCullom scored 158 not out for Kolkata Knight Riders against RCB in Bengaluru within the first 20-odd matches of the IPL in 2008, setting the tone for franchise blasting cholesterol-heavy Super Bowl. 10 fours along with 13 sixes sent Chinnaswamy Stadium into a joyful height unlike anything during his innings.

Abhishek Sharma—141 (55 balls) | SRH vs PBKS, 2025

In one of the most stunning performances to date, Abhishek Sharma scored a stellar 141 runs off just 55 balls against Punjab Kings for Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad. The young southpaw bludgeoned 14 fours and 10 sixes, boasting an unparalleled 256.36 strike rate. His innings stands as the highest score made by an Indian in the IPL.

Quinton de Kock – 140 (70 balls ) | LSG vs KKR, 2022*

Quinton De Kock’s unbeaten score of 140 came in a crucial match for Lucknow Super Giants facing KKR at D Y Patil Stadium in 2022. With 10 fours and 10 sixes, he became a part of a record partnership with KL Rahul and helped shape one of the most dominating innings ever seen in the league.

Also read: LSG VS CSK : Match 30 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

AB de Villiers—133 (59 balls) | RCB vs MI, 2015*

Mr. 360 degrees, AB De Villiers, put on a masterclass in 2015 against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede, where he scored an unbeaten 133 off 59 balls. Attributed with 19 fours and 4 sixes, his innings was one of the most entertaining knocks in IPL history.

Pakistan cricket star Babar Azam recently shared his most cherished moment from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and it wasn't for a match-winning performance or a trophy win. Instead, it was a personal one meeting his idol AB de Villiers. Babar referred to the encounter as a dream come true and shared that it left an indelible mark on him.

This occurred in 2019 when there was the PSL season in Dubai and AB de Villiers was playing for Lahore Qalandars. Babar, who had been a fan of the South African legend for years, had an admission to make that he tried to pattern his game and shot selection after de Villiers when he began his career.Their interaction was an eye-opener, as per Babar, and a memory that still glows brightly in his PSL career.

ALSO SEE: Ms Dhoni to lead CSK after Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025

PSL Title with Karachi Kings Another Career Highlight

Although the encounter with AB de Villiers is near and dear to Babar's heart, he also mentioned winning the PSL title with Karachi Kings in 2020 as one of his most cherished moments. In the game against Lahore Qalandars in the final, Babar delivered a match-winning 63 not out and was named Player of the Match. It was Karachi Kings' inaugural PSL title, and Babar's performance helped them win it. Babar has played for several PSL teams previously, and now he is leading Peshawar Zalmi towards the 2025 season. Along with him is young opener Saim Ayub, who has joined the team after taking some time off due to an injury, and whom the team is looking for a good season from.

ALSO SEE: End of the innings: will pucovski steps away from cricket

They will face Quetta Gladiators in their opening match on April 12 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Babar recently played for Pakistan during the recent ODI series against New Zealand and scored 129 runs in three games. Though the series was whitewashed by Pakistan, Babar's personal performance was excellent. Now that a new season of PSL is on the horizon, the fans are waiting impatiently to find out what fresh memories he will create on and off the ground.

BREAKING: AB de Villiers Announces Shock IPL Return

In a surprising revelation, retired South African cricket great AB de Villiers has officially revealed his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after taking a one-year break. The news has stunned the world of cricket, as fans did not anticipate the legendary cricketer returning to the heavily competitive tournament. De Villiers retired from international cricket in 2018 but also took a leave from the IPL earlier, providing a gap that his devoted fans missed. With his return now, the upcoming season is anticipated to gain extra momentum and also bring a renewed surge of excitement to the IPL.

De Villiers' IPL Legacy AB de Villiers has been among the most explosive and flamboyant players in IPL history. As someone who is versatile, innovative when it comes to batting, and match-winning, he has created a huge fan base. His comeback is set to bring back some of the magic that fans missed over the past few years.

Also Read:-Virat Kohli’s Next Big Goal: World Cup 2027!

Fan Response and Expectation Cricket fans are already abuzz on social networks, wondering in which IPL side he will end up and how he will turn the game around.

A number of top-ranking cricketers scored some classical runs, setting the platform for some unforgettable moments in the high voltage of IPL clashes. Virat Kohli has made a league-best score of 1053 runs, whereas MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Faf du Plessis have also been pivotal to the success of both the teams. The battle of two superpowers is hosting lots of tense situations, with every match becoming the latest chapter of IPL history.

Virat Kohli-The Leading Run-Getter:

The iconic Virat Kohli had been the top run-scorer in CSK vs. RCB matches with 1053 runs to his name. The consistent century-maker and the aggressive batsman who has treated CSK bowlers as his nightmare all along. There is no doubt that Kohli's fantastic performances have been the reason for some amazing moments like centuries and fifties and also for his dominance.

Most runs in CSK vs RCB IPL matches

1053 - Virat Kohli
765 - MS Dhoni
616 - Suresh Raina
519 - Faf du Plessis#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/kLXOzwi46l

— CRIC INSIGHTS (@Insights4Cric) March 28, 2025

Also read:GT vs MI: Match 09 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Other Batting Icons in the CSK-RCB Rivalry:

• MS Dhoni-With 765 runs, Dhoni has played some of the most memorable finishing knocks in this rivalry, guiding CSK to victory on multiple occasions.
• Suresh Raina-the iconic player from the Chennai Super Kings—has made 616 runs in this rivalry, demonstrating his aggressive approach and that he is a big-game player.
• Faf du Plessis,having played for both CSK and RCB, has registered 519 runs, showcasing his adaptability and consistency.
• AB de Villiers-The bold batting of AB de Villiers, undoubtedly, was giving RCB a lot of wins over CSK.
• Shane Watson represented both teams at different times, and he gave an unforgettable inning in the 2018 IPL final by scoring a century for CSK.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad-As a fast-rising star for CSK, Gaikwad made a huge impression in the previous seasons by playing a lot of classical shots in a very fluent manner.

With these batting giants shaping the CSK vs. RCB rivalry, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling battles in future IPL seasons.

Also read:IPL 2025: Sara Ali Khan to light up Guwahati as IPL celebrates 18 glorious years

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage for explosive batting, and the 20th over often decides the fate of matches with its high-stakes drama. Here’s a look at the top players with the most sixes in the 20th over, based on balls faced.

Leading the pack is the legendary MS Dhoni, reigns at the top of the chart with 69 sixes out off 330 balls. The nickname, "Captain Cool," that he has earned is due to his strength of the capability to end games with those big strikes which has made him the most favored player and the most fearful of bowlers in the death overs.

Following him is Kieron Pollard, who has succeeded in hitting 33 sixes off 189 balls. This West Indian at many times has been the individual who gets the advantage of the match to the side of Mumbai Indians by his extraordinary magnitude.

Most 6s in 20th Over in IPL

69 - MS Dhoni (330b)
33 - Kieron Pollard (189b)
30 - Ravindra Jadeja (181b)
28 - Hardik Pandya (117b)
23 - Rohit Sharma (91b)
21 - 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 (106b)*
20 - Dinesh Karthik (136b)
19 - AB Devilliers (88b)#DCvsLSG

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) March 24, 2025

Also Read: Krunal Pandya’s birthday celebrated in RCB camp amid IPL 2025

Next Ravindra Jadeja who has hit 30 sixes in 181 balls, & he is an epitome of versatility among cricketers. And Hardik Pandya’s 28 sixes in 117 balls prove how he always drives the onlookers to the edge of their seats. Rohit Sharma (23 sixes off 91 balls) and David Miller (21 sixes off 106 balls) contribute their part, with Miller still playing and setting his sights on the list’s ascension. Also on the list are Dinesh Karthik (20 sixes off 136 balls) and AB de Villiers (19 sixes off 88 balls) to complete the picture, the accolade of a game changer being appropriate for them.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran's smashing over: 28 runs in just six balls!

Their ability to maintain their cool is what sets apart in these high octane encounters. Classic moments from IPL history such as Dhoni’s helicopter shot and Pollard’s majestic lofts coupled with de Villiers’ 360 degree innovation will always remain in our memories. While Jadeja and Pandya have took the baton and established themselves as the new age phenomenal finishers with unmatched accuracy and power.

We might see new people on this list with the evolution of T20 cricket, but thoes names will always be remembered.

Cricket is a records game and there are some player who have pulled of such amazing feats in their careers that they have got name in guinness records. These records are recognized around the globe and they prove that these cricketers never let you down. Thus are some of these players who made that place by doing something truly amazing 

1) Muttiah Muralitharan -most Test Wicket
The all-time great off-spinner of Sri Lanka Muttiah Muralitharan, holds the record most number of test wickets in the Guinness World Records. He has 800 under his belt in what he has played, a record today. The biggest partcipator in turning the ball sharply, hence one of the toughest bowlers to face then and there.

•  most wickets in Test cricket:800 wickets ,Year ended: December 2010

2 AB de Villiers :First to 50, 100 and 150 in ODI
South Africa are a very aggresive, `creatively minded' team with batsman AB de Villiers leading the charge. He also holds multiple Guinness World Records for the fastest half-century, century and 150 in ODIs (One Day International)

• Quickest 50: 16 balls
• In quickest 100= 31 balls
• Quickest 150: 64
• In: February 2015 vs. West Indies
  He was fondly called "Mr. 360” because of his extreme acumen in the bat, that he could hit a ball in all possible directions.

3 Fastest t20 century & max sixes in an Innings by Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle (West Indies): another one of the dangerous T20 batters.. Gayle is a T20 batted-based powerhouse with the Guinness World Record for the fastest century in this format notching an IPL 2013 match for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in just 30 balls & not-outs to hit another Championship jumbo.

In the same game he went on to hit 17 sixes, which is another record for most sixes in a T20 Innings.

• Fastest T20 century: 30 balls (IPL 2013)
• Most sixes in one innings: 17 Sixes

4. Sachin Tendulkar: Highest International Run scorer
God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar holds the record of scoring the most runs in international cricket matches, according to Guinness Book of Records.

• Most International runs: 34,357 runs
• 100 international century
• Between: 1989: 2013
  Sachin T’s records are a good example of why consistency is the greatest skill in cricket.

ALSO READ:IPL Stars Who Failed in International Cricket:Players Who Couldn't Replicate Their Success

5 MS Dhoni: Most expensive cricket bat ever sold
M.S. Dhoni: The most famous batsman for Indian cricket, cool-tempered (until he takes over from Steve Waugh), powerful finisher. The bat used by Gayle during the winning six during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final fetched ₹83 lakh ($161,295) when it was sold in an auction, the expenditure being the most ear-marked expenditure on any cricket bat worldwide TO DATE.

• Record: Most expensive bat ever sold at an auction
• Sold for: ₹83 lakh ($161,295)
• Auctioned in: 2011

The RCB Unbox 2025 event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was a grand affair for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) supporters. The event, which took place on March 17, 2025, unveiled the new team and revealed the jersey of the team for the next IPL season.

But the most poignant moment of the evening was when the stadium reverberated with deafening shouts of "ABD, ABD" in honor of former RCB legend AB de Villiers.

A Fan Favorite Forever

AB de Villiers, popularly called Mr. 360, was one of RCB's most important players for 11 years, scoring 5162 runs in the IPL.His match-winning sixes, phenomenal associations with Virat Kohli, and match-winning knocks that nobody will ever forget made him a fan favorite.

ALSO SEE: Virat Kohli at the RCB Unbox 2025 Event Sends Fans into Excitement

Although he retired, the affection for de Villiers is unabated among RCB fans. His name continues to remind one of sheer thrill rides, unbelievable strokes, and moments to cherish at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

'ABD, ABD' chants at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 🔥pic.twitter.com/9VlHFK6W7N

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 17, 2025

Looking Ahead

While RCB readies for IPL 2025, there's always hope for a fruitful season for fans. However, one thing is certain: AB de Villiers will remain special to RCB fans. "ABD, ABD" slogans are an assurance that legends never disappear!

AB de Villiers scored 101 Off 28 Balls in the Legends Match

AB de Villiers showed his brutal power in the Legends match. The South African cricket legend lit up SuperSport Park, Centurion, with an unbelievable knock in a legends match.

Playing for Titan Legends against Bulls Legends, AB de Villiers smashed a century in just 28 balls, hammering 15 sixes. He even reached his hundred in style with a massive six, reminding fans why he’s called "Mr. 360."

Meanwhile AB De villiers doing ABD things...
101 runs in 28 balls
15 Sixes
And it's apt his strike rate is 360 pic.twitter.com/axyQEJduZs

— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) March 9, 2025

AB de Villiers retired from all formats in 2021, with his last match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. Over the years, he played 184 IPL games, scoring 5,162 runs at an average close to 40 and a strike rate of 151.69. He also hit three centuries and 40 fifties, making him one of the league’s greatest players in all over the world.

https://t.co/HwJSww3Dbw

— 🆎 (@TIMEfactshindi1) March 9, 2025

ALSO READ: Harry Brook Pulls Out of IPL Deal with Delhi Capitals

For South Africa, AB de Villiers had a special journey spanning 15 years, scoring over 20,000 runs in all formats. Even seven years after retiring from international cricket in 2018, he still holds the record for the fastest ODI century reaching 100 in just 31 balls. That inning also saw him smash the fastest ODI fifty and 16 sixes, records that stunned the world at the time.