The ICC T20 World Cup began in 2007. The first edition was played in South Africa. Since then, nine editions have been played up to 2024. This tournament quickly became one of the most exciting and popular formats in the world of cricket. Fewer overs, fast-paced action, and the match changing with every ball – that's the hallmark of T20 cricket. India is among the select few teams that have not only won titles in this format but have also left a lasting impression with their outstanding performances.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7th. This will be the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup. India has won the T20 World Cup title twice so far, in 2007 and 2024. In the 2024 final, played in the West Indies, India defeated South Africa by seven runs, ending an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy.
Player who has won the Man of the Match award the most times
| Country | Player of the Final |
|---|---|
| West Indies | 2 times |
| India | 2 times |
| England | 2 times |
| Pakistan | 1 time |
| Sri Lanka | 1 time |
| Australia | 1 time |
Virat Kohli The Standalone Leader (8 Awards)
Virat Kohli's dominance in the T20 World Cup is evident from his eight Player of the Match awards, the most by any cricketer in the tournament's history. His ability to anchor the innings and then accelerate in the death overs has troubled opposing teams for over a decade. His unbeaten 82 against Pakistan at the MCG* in 2022 and his crucial 76 in the 2024 final against South Africa are particularly memorable. Kohli is the only player to have won two Player of the Tournament trophies (2014, 2016), a testament to his exceptional performances under pressure.
Chris Gayle (West Indies): The "Universe Boss" used his raw power to secure 5 awards, including two centuries that redefined the boundaries of T20 batting.
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): A technician of the highest order, Jayawardene's 5 awards came through elegant shot-making and tactical mastery in the early years of the tournament.
Shane Watson (Australia): Watson’s 2012 campaign remains the greatest individual edition for an all-rounder. He won four consecutive POTM awards in that single tournament, dominating with both the new ball and the willow.
Adam Zampa (Australia): The latest entry into this club, Zampa has become Australia's most potent weapon. His 5 awards, mostly coming in the 2021 and 2024 editions, highlight how leg-spin has become the primary wicket-taking force in T20s.
Player Of The Match Statistics In T20 World Cups
| Player | Team | Awards | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | India | 8 | 35 |
| Adam Zampa | Australia | 5 | 21 |
| Shane Watson | Australia | 5 | 24 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 5 | 31 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 5 | 33 |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 4 | 30 |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 4 | 34 |
Also Read: Indian players who will play for foreign teams in the 2026 T20 World Cup
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