To be named Cricket’s “Player of the Series” is an incredible accomplishment. In order to succeed, competitors need to maintain their mental and physical strength for the course of a series that could last for up to a month.
Muttiah Muralitharan, a legendary cricketer from Sri Lanka, holds the record for “most player of the series awards” in Tests with 11.
If you look into Muttiah Muralitharan’s career, you’ll find that he set a ton of records in a variety of different arenas.
Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricket phenom, is the undisputed king of One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the recipient of 15 “most player of the series awards.”
From the modern group, the Test team is led by India’s spinning wonder Ravichandran Ashwin while the ODI team is led by the fearsome Virat Kohli.
The top 10 players in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is who have won the “most player of the series awards” are about to be explored.
Cricket Record for Most Player of the Series Awards: ODI, T20i, Test
Cricket, a sport steeped in history and tradition, has witnessed numerous legends grace its fields. These legends, through their consistent performances, have often been the backbone of their teams.
One of the most coveted recognitions in the sport is the “most player of the series awards.” This accolade is not just about a single match’s brilliance but a testament to a player’s impact throughout a series.
Let’s delve into the top five players who have etched their names in the annals of cricket history by winning the most player of the series awards across all formats.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Indian Maestro
Sachin Tendulkar, hailing from India, tops the chart with a staggering 20 “most player of the series awards” from 183 series.
His prowess was particularly evident in ODIs, where he bagged the award 15 times. His impeccable technique and ability to read the game made him a force to reckon with.
2. Virat Kohli – The Modern-Day Legend
Close on Sachin’s heels is another Indian gem, Virat Kohli. From 147 series, Kohli has clinched the “most player of the series awards” 19 times.
ODI cricket saw the best of Kohli, with him winning the award in this format 9 times. His aggressive style and passion set him apart.
3. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh’s Pride
Shakib Al Hasan, the all-rounder from Bangladesh, has been a consistent performer for his nation. Playing 145 series, he has secured the “most player of the series awards” 16 times.
ODI cricket resonated the most with his skills, granting him the award 7 times.
4. Jacques Kallis – South Africa’s Stalwart
Jacques Kallis, the versatile player from South Africa, has been a pillar for his team. From 148 series, he has won the “most player of the series awards” 15 times.
Test cricket, known for its grueling nature, saw Kallis at his best, earning him the award 9 times.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – Sri Lanka’s Explosive Opener
Sanath Jayasuriya, the dynamic opener from Sri Lanka, changed the way teams approached the powerplay. In 176 series, he bagged the “most player of the series awards” 13 times.
His dominance was particularly felt in ODIs, where he won the award 11 times.
Cricket Record for Most Player of the Series Awards: ODI
Five Indians out of eleven male players have earned more than seven Player of the Series honours in One-Day International cricket, demonstrating India’s dominance of the game.
Among the top 3 players are Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, with the latter rising at an incredible rate. If you want to know how fantastic Virat Kohli has been in every ODI series he has played in, just look at this list of his centuries.
However, the West Indian star striker Vivian Richards stands out as the chart’s true hero, having earned seven Player of the Series honours in just forty One-Day International series.
That’s once every 5.9 series he competed in. This is absolutely ridiculous when you consider the legendary roster of West Indian players during Richards’ era.
To learn more about the ODI monster that was Sir Vivian Richard, read this one record of his life.
There are no active players represented here in the top ten save for Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle (who is no longer participating in the format).
Six to Shakib Al Hasan; five apiece to Tamim Iqbal, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, and Quinton de Kock.
With three Player of the Series awards in just 21 One-Day International series, Babar Azam is quickly rising up the ranks (nearly as quickly as Virat). Here’s a look at how Virat Kohli stacks up against Babar Azam.
1. Sachin Tendulkar: The Indian Maestro
Sachin Tendulkar, hailing from India, tops the chart with an astounding 15 “most player of the series awards” in ODIs.
In his illustrious career spanning 463 matches across 108 series, this cricketing legend has showcased unparalleled consistency and skill.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya: Sri Lanka’s Powerhouse
Sanath Jayasuriya, the explosive opener from Sri Lanka, clinched 11 awards. Playing 445 matches in 111 series, Jayasuriya’s aggressive style and all-round abilities made him a force to reckon with in the ODI arena.
3. Virat Kohli: India’s Modern-Day Genius
Virat Kohli, another gem from India, has already secured 10 awards in just 271 matches and 66 series.
His meteoric rise and the sheer number of centuries he’s amassed speak volumes about his dominance in every ODI series he’s participated in.
4. Shaun Pollock: South Africa’s Bowling Maestro
South Africa’s Shaun Pollock, with 9 awards in 303 matches across 60 series, was not just a prolific bowler but also a handy batsman. His all-round performances often tilted the balance in South Africa’s favor.
5. Chris Gayle: The Caribbean Thunderstorm
Chris Gayle, the charismatic West Indian, has 8 “most player of the series awards” to his name. In 301 matches spanning 71 series, Gayle’s explosive batting often sent shivers down the spines of bowlers worldwide.
Cricket Record for Most Player of the Series Awards: T20I
When compared to the rest of his countrymen, Virat Kohli’s level of consistency places him in a league of his own in the shortest format of the game, which he has used to spectacular effect.
He is the only player in the game to have a batting average of 50 or higher in all three of the game’s forms.
In addition to this, there are a great many other grounds to believe that he is the best player in the T20 format on the world scene.
Once again, Babar Azam is leveling the dominance of Virat in his early career in both the longest and shortest formats of the game. Let’s hold off judgment till we find out whether he will keep up his winning streak in this format.
1. Virat Kohli: India’s T20I Maestro
Leading the pack is India’s batting sensation, Virat Kohli. With 7 “most player of the series awards” in 44 series, his consistency is unparalleled. His ability to anchor innings and play match-winning knocks makes him a T20I legend.
2. Babar Azam: Pakistan’s Rising Star
Babar Azam, hailing from Pakistan, has secured 5 “most player of the series awards” in just 30 series. His elegant stroke play and calm demeanor have made him a force to reckon with in the T20I arena.
3. Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s All-Rounder Prodigy
Matching Babar’s tally, Shakib Al Hasan from Bangladesh also boasts of 5 “most player of the series awards,” but in 42 series.
As an all-rounder, his contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental for his team.
4. Mohammad Rizwan: Pakistan’s Dependable Dynamo
Another gem from Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan, has clinched the “most player of the series awards” 4 times in 27 series. His gritty innings and ability to adapt make him a crucial player for his side.
5. Glenn Maxwell: Australia’s Explosive Powerhouse
Rounding off the top 5 is Australia’s Glenn Maxwell. With 4 “most player of the series awards” in 35 series, his explosive batting and handy off-spin have often tilted matches in Australia’s favor.
Cricket Record in Test Cricket
The biggest number of entrants from a single country on this list are Chanderpaul, Marshall, and Curtly Ambrose, all of whom are renowned West Indian players.
Virender Sehwag (5), Sachin Tendulkar (4), Kapil Dev (4), Anil Kumble (4), Harbhajan Singh (4), and Rahul Dravid (4) are the only other Indians to have won four or more Man of the Series honors in Test cricket.
In their long-format careers, the Indian captains’ trio of Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly, and Mohammed Azharuddin, as well as the pace combo of Zaheer khan and Ishant Sharma, each have three Man of the Series awards to their names.
James Anderson, Yasir Shah, and Shakib Al Hasan are the only active cricketers with five Man of the Match awards to their names. Steve Smith and David Warner each have four Man of the Match awards to their names.
Legends that have not only demonstrated their individual prowess but also carried their teams to unforgettable victories can be found as we delve deeper into this top list.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard
Hailing from Sri Lanka, Muttiah Muralitharan tops the chart with 11 “most player of the series awards” in Test cricket.
Having played 133 matches across 61 series, his spin magic bamboozled batsmen globally. His consistency over the years is evident in his record, making him a true legend of the game.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s Spin Maestro
Ravichandran Ashwin, with 10 “most player of the series awards,” stands tall for India. In just 92 matches spanning 37 series, Ashwin’s off-spin and variations have been a nightmare for batsmen. His rapid ascent to this elite list showcases his immense talent and impact.
3. Jacques Kallis: The South African All-Rounder
Jacques Kallis, South Africa’s gem, clinched the “most player of the series awards” 9 times. With 166 matches in 61 series, Kallis showcased his prowess both with the bat and ball.
His all-round capabilities made him a vital asset for his team, earning him a spot among the greats.
4. Richard Hadlee & Imran Khan: The Pace Duo
Richard Hadlee of Pakistan, with 8 awards in 86 matches across 33 series, was a force to reckon with. His pace and swing were instrumental in Pakistan’s cricketing successes.
Sharing the same accolade count, Imran Khan, another Pakistani legend, achieved this in 88 matches over 28 series. His leadership and bowling skills were unparalleled, making him one of the finest cricketers of his era.
Legends of the Crease: The Unyielding Chase Across Cricket Eras
The gentleman’s game, as cricket is frequently called, is rife with stories of daring, strategy, and extraordinary talent.
For individuals who have continually outperformed the competition, there are “most player of the series awards” to recognize their achievements.
Many legendary events in the history of the game have been witnessed by this award, including spin wizardry by Muttiah Muralitharan and exquisite strokes by Sachin Tendulkar.
Even though some people’s careers are coming to an end and others are just starting to gain momentum, this prize will remain a goal for many while only a select handful ever reach it.
It’s about making a lasting impression on the essence of the game, not only the numbers on the scoreboard.
