Being named Player of the Tournament at an ICC event is an individual accolade at its finest in cricket; it becomes a stamp of distinction for unmatched consistency and impact on the world stage. Here is the countdown towards the top 5 players who have garnered this title, ranging from legends who dominated within one tournament to the only man to have done it twice.
5. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis became the first-ever recipient of the Player of the Tournament award in an ICC event for his all-round brilliance in the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy. His consistency with bat and ball led South Africa to their only major ICC title.
- Award: Player of the Tournament – ICC KnockOut Trophy 1998
- Played a pivotal role in every match of the tournament
- Scored 164 runs and picked up 8 wickets
- Helped South Africa win their only ICC trophy to date
- Total Awards: 1
4. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc was a nightmare for batters during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. His lethal pace and accuracy dismantled top orders across conditions. He was a key reason behind Australia’s dominant World Cup title run.
- Award: Player of the Tournament – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
- Took 22 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 10.18
- Bowled iconic spells, including a match-winning one against New Zealand
- Played a crucial role in Australia lifting their 5th World Cup title
- Total Awards: 1
3. Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh was India’s driving force in their 2011 World Cup win. He delivered with both bat and ball during crucial moments, and was named Player of the Tournament for one of the greatest all-round performances in ODI World Cup history.
- Award: Player of the Tournament – ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
- Scored 362 runs at an average of 90.50
- Took 15 wickets across the tournament
- Played through illness, delivering in key knockout games
- Total Awards: 1
2. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson showcased class and composure throughout the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite New Zealand’s heartbreaking loss in the final, Williamson’s leadership and batting stood out. He was the soul of a team that punched above its weight.
- Award: Player of the Tournament – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
- Scored 578 runs in 10 innings at an average of 82.57
- Anchored multiple key innings and led from the front
- Guided New Zealand to the final and won praise for sportsmanship
- Total Awards: 1
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the only player in cricket history to win three Player of the Tournament awards in ICC events. His unmatched consistency in both T20 and ODI formats, especially under pressure, has made him a standout across generations.
- Awards:
- Player of the Tournament – ICC T20 World Cup 2014 (319 runs at 106.33)
- Player of the Tournament – ICC T20 World Cup 2016 (273 runs at 136.50)
- Player of the Tournament – ICC ODI World Cup 2023 (765 runs – highest in a single WC edition)
- Delivered match-winning performances in knockout and high-pressure games
- Remained the backbone of India’s batting in every ICC campaign
- Total Awards: 3 (Most by any player in ICC history)
Final Thoughts
While many players shine in moments, these legends dominated entire tournaments. Kohli’s triple crown sets him apart while others like Yuvraj, Williamson, Starc, and Curran left indelible imprints onto the world stage.
Written by RITESH SINGH
