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The BCA Stadium in Vadodara witnessed yet another masterclass in run-chasing on Sunday as India pulled off a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI. Chasing a competitive target of 301, the Men in Blue found their anchor in Virat Kohli, whose sublime 93 off 91 balls set the tone for the win. While New Zealand fought back late in the game, vital contributions from KL Rahul (29*) and Harshit Rana (29) ensured India crossed the finish line with an over to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Virat Kohli claims Player of the Match award for his batting brilliance
It was a night of milestones for the former Indian captain. While he narrowly missed out on his 54th ODI century—falling to Kyle Jamieson at mid-on for a well-made 93—his innings was the difference between the two sides. Laced with eight fours and a six, Kohli’s knock stabilized the chase after the openers fell, showcasing his trademark precision and intent.
This match-winning performance earned Kohli his 45th Player of the Match (POTM) award in ODIs. In the post-match presentation, a humble Kohli revealed a heartwarming detail about his accolades, sharing that he sends all his trophies to his mother in Gurugram, who cherishes keeping them. With this latest honor, Kohli has further cemented his place among the pantheon of ODI greats, inching closer to the top spot on the all-time leaderboard.
Most Player of the Match awards in ODI history
With his heroics in Vadodara, Kohli has strengthened his hold in the elite list of players with most Man of the Match awards in the 50-over format. Let’s have a look at the legendary trio sitting at the top of this illustrious list:
3) Virat Kohli (India) – 45 Awards
Often hailed as the greatest chaser the game has ever seen, Kohli’s 45th award is a testament to his incredible consistency over nearly two decades. His ability to pace an innings and absorb pressure has led to countless Indian victories. Unlike the explosive openers above him on this list, Kohli’s awards often come from gritty, high-pressure knocks in the middle order, making his tally uniquely impressive. With his current form, he looks set to surpass the second spot very soon.
2) Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 48 Awards
Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI cricket in the 90s with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. He sits second on the list with 48 awards from 445 matches. A true all-rounder, Jayasuriya often earned the honor not just for his explosive centuries but also for his crafty left-arm spin, which broke many crucial partnerships. He remains one of the most impactful match-winners in the history of the format.
1) Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 62 Awards
Sitting comfortably at the summit is the phenom Sachin Tendulkar. With a staggering 62 awards in 463 matches, Tendulkar’s record seems almost untouchable. His career spanned generations, and his ability to dominate attacks across different eras and conditions gave him unmatched longevity. For Kohli to catch Tendulkar, he would need another sustained run of dominance, but for now, the Master Blaster reigns supreme.
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