The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest cricket tournaments in the world, known for its thrilling matches, outstanding performances, and star players. Among the most prestigious individual awards in the league is the “Player of the Tournament”, which recognizes the best-performing cricketer in each IPL season. Over the years, many legendary players have won this award for their all-round excellence, match-winning performances, and consistency.
This blog takes a detailed look at the IPL Player of the Tournament winners from Shane Watson to Sunil Narine, analyzing their performances, impact, and legacy.
IPL Player of the Tournament Winners (2008 – Present)
2008 – Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
Shane Watson was the first-ever Player of the Tournament in IPL history. He played a crucial role in leading Rajasthan Royals to their maiden IPL title under Shane Warne’s captaincy. With 472 runs and 17 wickets, he was an exceptional all-rounder in the inaugural season.
2009 – Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers)
Adam Gilchrist, the explosive Australian opener, led Deccan Chargers to their first IPL title. His 495 runs in 16 matches, including a blistering 85 in the semi-final, made him the standout player of IPL 2009.
2010 – Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians)
The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, proved his brilliance in IPL 2010, scoring 618 runs in 15 matches. His elegant stroke play and consistent performances helped Mumbai Indians reach their first IPL final.
2011 – Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The Universe Boss made a massive impact in IPL 2011, winning the award with 608 runs in 12 matches at a striking rate of 183.13. His aggressive batting made RCB one of the most feared teams that season.
2012 – Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
KKR’s mystery spinner, Sunil Narine, dominated IPL 2012 with 24 wickets in 15 matches, helping Kolkata lift their first IPL trophy. His unplayable deliveries made him the best bowler of the season.
2013 – Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
Shane Watson won the Player of the Tournament award for the second time in IPL 2013. His all-round show included 543 runs and 13 wickets, making him Rajasthan Royals’ most valuable player.
2014 – Glenn Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab – now Punjab Kings)
Glenn Maxwell was unstoppable in IPL 2014, scoring 552 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 187.75. His fearless hitting played a key role in Kings XI Punjab reaching their first-ever IPL final.
2015 – Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The West Indian powerhouse, Andre Russell, showcased his all-round brilliance with 326 runs and 14 wickets. His match-winning performances made KKR a formidable team that season.
2016 – Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Virat Kohli had a record-breaking season, scoring 973 runs in 16 matches, including 4 centuries. This remains the highest run tally in a single IPL edition, proving his dominance.
2017 – Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiant)
Ben Stokes made an instant impact in his debut IPL season, winning the award for his 316 runs and 12 wickets. His all-round heroics helped Rising Pune Supergiant reach the final.
2018 – Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Sunil Narine won his second Player of the Tournament award in IPL 2018. Apart from taking 17 wickets, he scored 357 runs as an explosive opener, making him KKR’s X-factor.
2019 – Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Andre Russell was a one-man army for KKR in IPL 2019, scoring 510 runs at a strike rate of 204.81 and taking 11 wickets. His six-hitting ability made him the most dangerous finisher.
2020 – Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)
Jofra Archer’s pace and accuracy earned him the award in IPL 2020. He picked up 20 wickets in 14 matches and also played crucial cameos with the bat.
2021 – Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Harshal Patel had a dream season in IPL 2021, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 32 wickets. His death-over bowling made him RCB’s most valuable player.
2022 – Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)
Jos Buttler dominated IPL 2022 with 863 runs in 17 matches, including 4 centuries. His explosive batting helped Rajasthan Royals reach the final.
2023 – Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
Shubman Gill emerged as one of the best young talents, scoring 890 runs at a strike rate of 157.80. His elegant stroke play and consistency made him Gujarat Titans’ match-winner.
2024 – Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Sunil Narine won his third Player of the Tournament award, proving his value as an all-rounder. With his exceptional bowling and explosive batting at the top, he played a key role in KKR’s success.
Most Successful Player of the Tournament Winners
- Sunil Narine (3 times) – 2012, 2018, 2024
- Shane Watson (2 times) – 2008, 2013
- Andre Russell (2 times) – 2015, 2019
These players have left a lasting legacy in the IPL’s history, proving their match-winning abilities across multiple seasons.
Conclusion
The IPL Player of the Tournament award has been won by some of the best cricketers in the world, including batting legends, all-rounders, and mystery spinners. Players like Shane Watson, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell have dominated multiple seasons, while new superstars like Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill continue to make an impact.
As IPL continues to grow, who will be the next Player of the Tournament? Only time will tell!
Read More: How AI is Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Future of Medicine
FAQs
Who has won the most IPL Player of the Tournament awards?
Sunil Narine holds the record for winning the most Player of the Tournament awards (3 times) in IPL history (2012, 2018, 2024).
Has Virat Kohli won the IPL Player of the Tournament award?
Yes, Virat Kohli won the award in IPL 2016 after scoring 973 runs, the highest in a single IPL season.
