Key Highlights
- Every IPL final since its inception has awarded a Player of the Match for a standout performance.
- All‑round feats, brisk centuries and decisive bowling spells have defined the award.
- Five players – Yusuf Pathan, Kieron Pollard, Rohit Sharma, Krunal Pandya and others – delivered iconic innings that turned finals.
- The trophy has travelled across franchises, with seven different teams boasting at least one Man of the Match.
- 2025 marked the first repeat accolade when Krunal Pandya earned the honour for a second time.
Detailed Insights
The inaugural final in 2008 saw Rajasthan Royals’ all‑rounder Yusuf Pathan spark the tournament’s first climax, blasting 56 runs off 39 balls while claiming 3/22. The following year, veteran spinner Anil Kumble produced a lethal 4/16 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, although his side fell short.
Chennai Super Kings powered through 2010 and 2011 finals via Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 57 and Murali Vijay’s 95‑run onslaught respectively, cementing their early dominance. In 2012, Kolkata Knight Riders broke CSK’s streak when Manvinder Bisla hit 89 from 48 deliveries.
Mumbai Indians entered the winner’s circle for the first time in 2013, courtesy of Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 60 and a wicket. The next season, Manish Pandey’s 94 rescued KKR from a 200‑run target set by Punjab.
Rohit Sharma’s blistering 50 in 2015, Ben Cutting’s 39‑run blitz in 2016, and Krunal Pandya’s gritty 47 in a one‑run victory in 2017 each underscored the value of rapid scoring under pressure.
Shane Watson’s 117* in 2018 remains one of the most celebrated finals centuries. Jasprit Bumrah’s economical 2/14 in 2019 and Trent Boult’s 3‑wicket opening spell in the COVID‑hit 2020 final secured titles for Mumbai and Delhi respectively.
Faf du Plessis guided CSK to triumph in 2021 with an 86‑run opening partnership, while Hardik Pandya’s 34 runs and 3 wickets propelled Gujarat Titans to a debut championship in 2022. Devon Conway’s 47 off 25 balls helped CSK clinch a rain‑delayed 2023 final.
In 2024, Mitchell Starc’s 2/14 dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad, delivering KKR’s third crown. Krunal Pandya repeated his brilliance in 2025, becoming the first dual‑time final Man of the Match as RCB lifted its maiden title.