Indian cricket captains have long distinguished themselves in ICC tournaments, with their match-winning performances often earning them the prestigious Player of the Match awards. As the Champions Trophy approaches, Rohit Sharma stands on the cusp of creating history, with the opportunity to become the first captain to win Man of the Match awards in three different ICC tournaments.
Sharma’s recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. His crucial match-winning displays in the 2023 World Cup against England and Afghanistan, followed by a stellar performance against Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup, have already placed him in an elite group. These performances not only showcase his batting prowess but also highlight his ability to deliver under pressure in crucial tournaments.
Looking back at the illustrious history of Indian cricket, only a handful of captains have managed to secure multiple Player of the Match awards in ICC events. Sourav Ganguly leads this distinguished list with four such awards, including notable performances in both World Cups and Champions Trophies. The legendary Kapil Dev secured three awards during his captaincy tenure, with memorable performances in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups.
MS Dhoni’s iconic performance in the 2011 World Cup final and Virat Kohli’s display in the 2019 World Cup add to India’s rich legacy of captain’s performances in ICC tournaments. However, Rohit Sharma now has the unique opportunity to achieve what none of his predecessors could – winning Man of the Match awards across three different ICC tournaments.
| Year | Player | Opponent | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Rohit | 🇦🇺 (Australia) | T20 World Cup |
| 2023 | Rohit | 🏴 (England) | World Cup |
| 2023 | Rohit | 🇦🇫 (Afghanistan) | World Cup |
| 2019 | Kohli | 🏝 (West Indies) | World Cup |
| 2011 | Dhoni | 🇱🇰 (Sri Lanka) | World Cup |
| 2004 | Ganguly | 🇰🇪 (Kenya) | Champions Trophy |
| 2003 | Ganguly | 🇰🇪 (Kenya) | World Cup |
| 2003 | Ganguly | 🇰🇪 (Kenya) | World Cup |
| 2000 | Ganguly | 🇿🇦 (South Africa) | Champions Trophy |
| 1987 | Kapil Dev | 🇿🇼 (Zimbabwe) | World Cup |
| 1987 | Kapil Dev | 🇳🇿 (New Zealand) | World Cup |
| 1983 | Kapil Dev | 🇿🇼 (Zimbabwe) | World Cup |
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This potential achievement would further cement Sharma’s legacy as one of India’s most impactful leaders in international cricket. His ability to perform consistently in different formats and tournaments reflects not just his versatility as a batsman but also his growing stature as a captain who leads from the front.
