Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, often hailed as the “King of Cricket,” currently holds the record for the most “Man of the Series” awards in international cricket, surpassing cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar. He is also the only player in the top 10 who is still actively playing.
The “Man of the Series” award is granted to a player who exhibits consistent excellence throughout a series, which typically consists of three or five matches, across formats like Tests, ODIs, or T20Is. Notably, three Indian players feature in this illustrious list, demonstrating India’s exceptional ability to produce world-class cricketers over the years.
Top 10 Players with the Most Man of the Series Awards in International Cricket:
| Rank | Name | Nation | Matches | Series | Man of the Series Awards | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 532 | 161 | 21 | 3 | 11 | 7 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 664 | 183 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 0 |
| 3 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 443 | 160 | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 519 | 148 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| 5 | David Warner | Australia | 383 | 126 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 586 | 176 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 0 |
| 7 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 483 | 141 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| 8 | Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 281 | 102 | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 423 | 107 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | West Indies | 454 | 136 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
1. Virat Kohli* | 21 Man of the Series Awards
Virat Kohli is regarded as cricket’s biggest modern-day superstar, known for his unmatched ability to score runs consistently and his game-changing performances. Kohli has won 21 “Man of the Series” awards across all formats: three in Tests, 11 in ODIs, and seven in T20Is.
Throughout his career, Kohli has amassed an impressive 80 international centuries and 140 half-centuries. His 50 ODI centuries remain the most in the format, with nearly 14,000 runs at a staggering average of 58.34. He stands second on the list of most “Man of the Series” awards in ODIs, trailing Sachin Tendulkar by only four awards. Despite his retirement from T20Is, Kohli is expected to continue playing ODIs and Tests, further increasing his record.
2. Sachin Tendulkar | 20 Man of the Series Awards
Before Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar was the reigning cricket icon, captivating the hearts of millions. Known as the “Master Blaster,” Tendulkar’s longevity and consistent brilliance over two decades are unmatched. He has won 20 “Man of the Series” awards during his career, five in Tests and 15 in ODIs.
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Although Tendulkar played during a time when T20Is were not popular, his legendary achievements came mostly in Test and ODI formats. With 100 international centuries and 164 half-centuries, Tendulkar leads the all-time list for most centuries in cricket. He also holds the record for most “Man of the Series” awards in ODIs, with 49 centuries and over 18,000 runs in 463 matches.
3. Shakib Al Hasan | 17 Man of the Series Awards
Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, ranks third on the list with 17 “Man of the Series” awards. The star all-rounder has earned five in Tests, seven in ODIs, and five in T20Is.
Since his international debut in 2006, Shakib has been an indispensable asset for Bangladesh, excelling in both batting and bowling. He has accumulated over 4,500 runs and 237 wickets in 67 Test matches. In ODIs, Shakib has scored nine centuries and claimed over 300 wickets in 247 matches. As a versatile T20 player, Shakib has featured in every T20I World Cup since 2007 and has over 2,500 runs and 149 wickets in 129 T20I matches.
4. Jacques Kallis | 15 Man of the Series Awards
A true South African cricket legend, Jacques Kallis is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game. Throughout his 18-year career, Kallis won 15 “Man of the Series” awards—nine in ODIs and six in Tests.
Known for his durability and consistency, Kallis played in 519 matches across formats, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. In ODIs, he scored over 12,000 runs and claimed 272 wickets, while in Tests, he tallied over 13,000 runs and took 273 wickets. Kallis also holds the record for the most “Player of the Match” awards in Tests (23) and ranks second in the number of Test fifties, after Sachin Tendulkar.
5. David Warner | 13 Man of the Series Awards
David Warner, a hard-hitting Australian opener, is fifth on the list with 13 “Man of the Series” awards—five each in ODIs and T20Is, and three in Test series.
Warner made his mark as a top-order batsman for Australia, providing explosive starts in both white-ball formats. With 22 ODI centuries and over 26 Test hundreds, Warner has been a vital cog for Australia since his debut in 2009. Though retired as of 2024, Warner’s impact on international cricket is undeniable.
The list of top 10 players with the most “Man of the Series” awards includes other star all-rounders like Ravichandran Ashwin, Shaun Pollock, and Sanath Jayasuriya, each of whom has demonstrated unparalleled excellence and longevity in international cricket.
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