Who owns most Player of the Series awards (international cricket)?
What's the story
Indian batter Virat Kohli was named Player of the Series after India defeated South Africa in the 3rd ODI to clinch the three-match series. The 37-year-old scored an unbeaten 65 (45) to help India secure a nine-wicket victory in Vizag. Kohli's heroics came after his centuries in the two previous matches of the series. He already has the most player-of-the-series awards across formats.
#1
Virat Kohli: 22 awards
According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli tops the tally of player-of-the-series awards in men's international cricket. He now owns 22 such awards, with 12 of them coming in ODIs alone. This also includes his Player of the Series honor in the 2023 World Cup, where India finished as the runners-up. Notably, Kohli has the second-most international runs for India (27,975).
#2
Sachin Tendulkar: 20 awards
Kohli earlier surpassed Sachin Tendulkar, who won 20 player-of-the-series awards in his stellar 24-year career. Across 664 matches, the Master Blaster won this award in five Test and 15 ODI series. He played a solitary T20I in his career. Tendulkar remains the only player with 30,000 runs across formats. He racked up 34,357 runs from a record 664 internationals at 48.52 (100 tons).
#3
Shakib Al Hasan: 17 awards
Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan follows Tendulkar on this elite list. In a 447-international career, the legendary all-rounder has won 17 player-of-the-series awards. His award tally includes five each in Tests and T20Is, as well as seven in ODIs. Shakib, one of the greatest all-rounders, owns 14,730 runs and 712 wickets in international cricket (14 tons and 25 fifers).