Rohit Sharma Surpasses Virat Kohli In Race For Most POTM Awards By An Indian In IPL T20; Here’s The Complete List

Mumbai, April 20 — When the Wankhede crowd erupted in joy as Rohit Sharma walked off the field with his bat held high and an unbeaten 76 to his name, it wasn’t just about Mumbai Indians cruising to a dominant nine-wicket win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings. It was the mark of a man who continues to redefine legacy, class, and consistency in the Indian Premier League. In doing so, Rohit Sharma etched his name atop yet another elite list—becoming the Indian cricketer with the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards in IPL history, with 20 to his name.

This wasn’t just a statistic being updated. It was a statement. A statement of enduring greatness.

The Milestone Innings: Vintage Rohit at the Wankhede

Rohit Sharma’s 76* off 45 balls on Sunday was the kind of knock that brings Wankhede to life. Timing, placement, and poise—his innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Facing a usually potent CSK bowling lineup, Rohit dissected the attack with surgical precision, peppering the boundaries with an assortment of lofted drives, cuts, and wristy flicks.

There was no slogging, no desperation. Just pure, elegant Rohit Sharma—channeling the aura that has made him a modern great. His knock not only ensured a crucial win for Mumbai Indians, but also gave fans a performance to cherish for years.

And when the dust settled, the numbers told the story: Rohit Sharma – 20 POTM awards in IPL—the highest ever for an Indian cricketer.

Legacy of Greatness: The Race to 20

Rohit’s achievement becomes even more special considering the caliber of players he has surpassed. Before this match, the race for the most POTM awards among Indian players was tighter than ever.

Virat Kohli, the relentless run-machine and heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had just notched up his 19th award earlier the same day. His unbeaten 73 against Punjab Kings was a commanding effort, drawing him level with Rohit at the time.
MS Dhoni, the talismanic finisher and Chennai’s eternal ‘Thala,’ wasn’t far behind either, with 18 POTM awards. He had earned his latest one just days ago with a vintage flourish against Lucknow Super Giants, showing he still had magic in those wrists.

As Kohli celebrated his milestone in Mullanpur, many believed the tide had turned. But Rohit had other plans.

With calmness in his eyes and steel in his bat, he reclaimed the throne just hours later, showing once again why he’s called the “Hitman.”

The Indian Legends and the Numbers

Here’s a look at the updated tally of Indian players with the most Player of the Match awards in IPL history:

Rank	Player	POTM Awards
1	Rohit Sharma	20
2	Virat Kohli	19
3	MS Dhoni	18
4	Yusuf Pathan	16
4	Ravindra Jadeja	16
6	KL Rahul	15

These aren’t just numbers. Each one represents match-winning moments, clutch performances, and iconic memories. Rohit’s journey to the top reflects a rare mix of grace under pressure, longevity, and the ability to peak on the big nights.

Beyond the Numbers: Rohit’s Impact in IPL History

Rohit Sharma isn’t just a record-holder; he’s a generational pillar of the IPL. Since his debut in 2008 with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, and later as the leader of Mumbai Indians, his IPL journey has been the stuff of cricketing folklore.

Five IPL Titles as Captain – the most by any player.
Over 6,000 IPL runs – placing him among the top run-scorers.
Match-winner in every role – opener, middle-order stabilizer, finisher, and leader.

Even as questions have sometimes surrounded his T20 strike rates or consistency, Rohit has always silenced critics with performances that matter. The 76* against CSK was not just a match-winning knock—it was a reminder that form may dip, but class never fades.

Kohli and Dhoni: Still in the Hunt

Rohit might be leading, but the race is far from over.

Virat Kohli, with 19 POTM awards, continues to showcase prime fitness and passion in his 16th IPL season. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has brought RCB out of tight corners time and again. With his current form, it wouldn’t be surprising if he reclaims the top spot this season.
MS Dhoni, now largely playing the role of a finisher and inspirational figure, may not have the volume of opportunities, but his aura ensures that any contribution he makes carries maximum weight. His 18 awards are a testament to how one moment from Dhoni can change a match.

The trio—Rohit, Kohli, and Dhoni—are more than just competitors on a leaderboard. They represent three eras, three philosophies, and an unending legacy in Indian cricket and IPL.

The Global Greats: The Top of the Leaderboard

While Rohit leads the Indian charts, he now finds himself in elite global company. Here’s how the overall IPL POTM leaderboard stands:

Rank	Player	POTM Awards
1	AB de Villiers	25
2	Chris Gayle	22
3	Rohit Sharma	20
4	Virat Kohli	19
5	MS Dhoni	18
5	David Warner	18

AB de Villiers’ 25 awards may still look distant, but Rohit’s current form has brought him into the rearview. And given the way he’s anchoring MI in IPL 2025, the gap could close sooner than expected.

What Makes Rohit’s 20th Special?

Many players have strong IPL seasons. Few sustain greatness over a decade. Even fewer reinvent themselves and step up in big matches consistently.

What makes Rohit Sharma’s 20th Player of the Match award special is not just the statistical supremacy, but the context:

It came in an emotionally charged clash against CSK.
It was a direct response to Kohli’s rise on the same day.
It showcased his leadership and ability to perform under pressure—two traits that define greatness.

Fans React: “King Hitman” Trends Nationwide

As soon as Rohit’s name was announced as Player of the Match, social media went into overdrive.

#KingHitman
#RohitNo20
#IPLGOAT

…all began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans celebrated not just the milestone, but the elegance with which it was achieved.

One fan summed it up perfectly:
“When Kohli challenges, Rohit responds. This is the IPL rivalry we live for!”

Looking Ahead: Can Rohit Catch ABD?

With 5-6 games left in the league stage and potentially more in the playoffs, Rohit Sharma has a real shot at surpassing Chris Gayle (22) this season, and even closing in on AB de Villiers’ 25.

Whether he does it or not, the bigger win is already his—longevity, loyalty, and leadership wrapped in one glittering IPL career.

The Captain, the Legend, the Trailblazer

In a league filled with emerging superstars, Rohit Sharma’s brilliance remains timeless. From his IPL debut in 2008 to lifting five trophies as captain, to now becoming the Indian with the most POTM awards, his journey is a masterclass in sustained excellence.

While Kohli continues to chase and Dhoni continues to inspire, it is Rohit Sharma who currently wears the crown—the undisputed Indian match-winner of the IPL.

And with the 2025 season far from over, there’s every chance this crown will shine even brighter.

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