The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to stage from 9th April with Mumbai Indians hunting for their 6th title victory locking horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore who will be desperate to win and engrave their name to the coveted IPL Trophy for the very first time.
As the battle of the best begins this Friday, we bring to you top 5 players who have consistently served their teams with their exceptional performances and won the Player of the Match the most number of times in the tournament.
1. AB de Villiers
South African great AB de Villiers tops this list with 23 awards to his name. The 37 year old explosive batsman famous for his unorthodox cricketing shots is Virat and RCB's go to man when the team is in dire need of quick runs in crunch positions. Batting with a stunning strike rate of 151.91, AB has smashed 4849 runs with an average of 40.41. His memorable performances include 3 hundreds with the highest score of an unbeaten 133.
2. Chris Gayle
Sitting at number 2 is the universe boss from West Indies – Christopher Henry Gayle. Gayle has been adjudged man of the match on 22 occasions in his IPL career so far. The 41 year old has been an absolute treat to watch for his fans and has given them countless memories to cherish. Playing for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and currently the Punjab Kings, Gayle has scored 4772 runs with an average of 41.14. The left hander has hit 6 centuries in the tournament with the most famous one being his iconic 175* off just 66 against Pune Warriors India in 2013.
3. Rohit Sharma
Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is at the third spot of the list with 18 player of the match awards. The most successful IPL captain with five IPL titles for his Mumbai Indians side, Sharma is the fourth highest run getter in the history of the league with 5230 runs. The 33 year old has 1 century along with 1 hattrick in his kitty. A lot will rely on him this year as Mumbai Indians will head into the season hunting for their 6th and 3rd consecutive IPL title.
4. David Warner
The powerful left hander from Australia, David Warner has been picked as man of the match 17 times in his entire IPL career. Warner is also the third highest run scorer in the tournament of all time. In his 142 innings, he has scored 5254 runs, averaging a brilliant 42.71 with a strike rate of 141.54 along with posting 4 centuries. He led his SunRisers Hyderabad to the title win in 2016. Besides, Warner has been decorated with the Orange Cap thrice – more than any other player in the years 2019, 2017 and 2015.
5. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is at number 5 with 17 man of the match honours. The Chennai Super Kings captain has scored 4632 runs in his 182 innings with an average of 40.99 that includes several cameos and partnerships with the tailender to pull up a fight in the most dangerous situations in the game. Captain cool has led his team to title victories in the years 2010, 2011 and 2018 owing to his unmatched services as a leader and batsman. The immaculate wicket keeper will give his all this year to avenge CSK's humiliation in the last season.
