The Player of the Match (POTM) award in the IPL is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the tournament, honouring outstanding performances in a highly competitive setting. For MS Dhoni, capturing this award after five years in IPL 2025 was a significant moment in his career. His brilliant all-round display in the match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium was crucial, earning him the recognition.

Dhoni’s performance was highlighted by an unbeaten 26 off 11 balls, demonstrating his signature finishing ability under pressure. In addition, his sharp wicket-keeping skills, which resulted in two dismissals, further solidified his claim to the award. This victory marked Dhoni's 18th Player of the Match accolade in IPL history, with his last such win coming in the 2019 season when he scored an unbeaten 44 against Delhi Capitals.

With this award, Dhoni now shares the title of the second-highest Indian Player of the Match award winner in IPL history, tied with Virat Kohli. However, both are still behind the all-time leader, highlighting the exceptional level of competition in the IPL and Dhoni's continued importance in the league.

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Most Man of the Match awards in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several players delivering remarkable performances throughout the years, with the "Man of the Match" awards serving as a testament to their brilliance. AB de Villiers leads the chart with 25 awards, a true reflection of his exceptional all-round performances. Following him closely are Chris Gayle (22 awards) and Rohit Sharma (19 awards), whose explosive batting and leadership have earned them numerous accolades. Other legends like David Warner, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli each have 18 awards, showcasing their consistent impact in critical moments, while Shane Watson, Yusuf Pathan, and Sunil Narine have 16 awards each, solidifying their status as match-winners.

Players like KL Rahul, Andre Russell, and Ravindra Jadeja, all with 15 awards, highlight the versatility and skill across different roles in the IPL. KL Rahul's consistency with the bat, Russell's all-round dominance, and Jadeja's invaluable contributions with both bat and ball are reflected in their recognition. The ability to influence matches in various phases of play is what has earned them these prestigious honors. Collectively, this list represents the crème de la crème of IPL performers, each contributing immensely to the tournament's rich legacy.