Many of cricket’s great heroes were created in the finals of the Indian Premier League. Every season, there has always been a standout cricketer whose contribution has stood out from that of his teammates, and helped decide the result of the biggest match of the competition. Through match-winning innings, bowling masterclasses and complete performances, the Player of the Match award went to deserving champions and stars of those seasons. With IPL history dating back to the year 2008 up until 2026, the following players have earned the title of their respective IPL finals.
As can be observed, the award has been given to batters, bowlers and all-rounders. The majority of them were from the side that emerged victorious. However, one unique instance saw an exception made. The Player of the Match in IPL finals has also gone to a cricketer who saved a crumbling total or chased down an imposing total. Listed below are all-time Player of the Match awardees from IPL finals, starting from the latest one going backwards.
Every IPL Final Player of the Match Winner Ranked by Year (2008-2026)
Virat Kohli (RCB, 2026)
Kohli guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back titles. He remained unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls and led the chase of 156. RCB reached 161/5 in 18 overs and won by five wickets against Gujarat Titans.
Krunal Pandya (RCB, 2025)
Pandya controlled the middle overs with figures of 2/17. His wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis slowed Punjab Kings significantly. RCB defended 191 and secured a six-run victory for their maiden IPL crown.
Mitchell Starc (KKR, 2024)
Starc broke Sunrisers Hyderabad early and never allowed recovery. His spell of 2/14 helped bowl SRH out for 113. Kolkata Knight Riders chased the target in 10.3 overs to win by eight wickets.
Devon Conway (CSK, 2023)
Conway attacked from the start in a rain-affected final. His 47 from 25 balls powered Chennai’s chase and kept the required rate under control. CSK completed a dramatic last-ball victory and won their fifth title.
Hardik Pandya (GT, 2022)
Pandya delivered with both bat and ball. He claimed 3/17, removing key Rajasthan Royals batters, before scoring 34. Gujarat Titans chased 131 comfortably and lifted the trophy in their debut season.
Faf du Plessis (CSK, 2021)
Du Plessis anchored Chennai’s innings with 86 off 59 balls. His effort carried CSK to 192/3. Kolkata Knight Riders finished at 165/9, giving Chennai a convincing 27-run triumph.
Trent Boult (MI, 2020)
Boult struck immediately and damaged Delhi Capitals’ top order. He finished with 3/30, including the wicket of Marcus Stoinis on the first ball. Mumbai chased 157 successfully and sealed a fifth IPL title.
Jasprit Bumrah (MI, 2019)
Bumrah produced a death-bowling masterclass. His figures of 2/14 included 13 dot balls and key breakthroughs. Chennai ended on 148/7, one run short of Mumbai’s total of 149/8.
Shane Watson (CSK, 2018)
Watson turned the final over with a remarkable unbeaten 117 from 57 balls. After a slow start, he dominated the chase and helped Chennai reach 181/2. CSK defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets.
Krunal Pandya (MI, 2017)
Mumbai’s batting had collapsed before Pandya stepped in. His 47 from 38 balls lifted the team to 129/8. That proved enough as Rising Pune Supergiant finished on 128/6, losing by one run.
Ben Cutting (SRH, 2016)
Cutting changed the game in both innings. He smashed 39 not out from 15 balls and later took 2/35. Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 208/7 and restricted RCB to 200/7 for an eight-run win.
Rohit Sharma (MI, 2015)
The Mumbai captain struck a rapid 50 off 26 balls. His partnership with Lendl Simmons helped Mumbai reach 202/5. Chennai could only manage 161/8, handing Mumbai a 41-run victory.
Manish Pandey (KKR, 2014)
Pandey played a crucial role in a record chase. His 94 from 50 balls kept Kolkata ahead of the required rate while chasing 200. KKR reached 200/7 and won with three balls remaining.
Kieron Pollard (MI, 2013)
Pollard rescued Mumbai from 52/4 with an unbeaten 60 off 32 deliveries. He also contributed with the ball. Chennai fell 23 runs short as Mumbai secured their first IPL championship.
Manvinder Bisla (KKR, 2012)
Bisla counterattacked after an early wicket and scored 89 from 48 balls. His partnership with Jacques Kallis transformed the chase. KKR reached 192/5 and captured their first IPL title.
Murali Vijay (CSK, 2011)
Vijay’s 95 off 52 balls laid the platform for Chennai’s massive 205/5. His opening stand with Michael Hussey dismantled RCB’s attack. Chennai won comfortably by 58 runs.
Suresh Raina (CSK, 2010)
Raina steadied Chennai with an unbeaten 57 from 35 balls. He also contributed with a wicket and a key catch. Mumbai ended on 146/9 as CSK claimed their first IPL championship.
Anil Kumble (RCB, 2009)
Kumble remains the only Player of the Match winner from a losing side in an IPL final. His outstanding 4/16 restricted Deccan Chargers to 143/6. However, RCB managed only 137/9 and lost by six runs.
Yusuf Pathan (RR, 2008)
The inaugural IPL final belonged to Pathan. He first took 3/22 with the ball and then scored 56 from 39 balls during a tense chase. Rajasthan Royals reached 164/7 off the final delivery to win the first IPL title.
