Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Kevin Pietersen, Shane Watson, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Sam Curran are the few players to win the Player of the Series Award in T20 World Cup history.
The Player of the Series award in the T20 World Cup is a prestigious award that recognizes the standout performer in the tournament. From Shahid Afridi’s all-round brilliance in 2007 to David Warner’s explosive batting in 2021, these players have left a mark on the competition with their exceptional performances.
Man of the Series in T20 World Cup History
Let’s look at all the players who bagged the Player of the Tournament Award in the nine editions of the T20 World Cup and their performances.
| Year | Player | Team | Contribution |
| 2016 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 15 wickets |
| 2022 | Sam Curran | England | 13 wickets |
| 2021 | David Warner | Australia | 289 runs |
| 2016 | Virat Kohli | India | 273 runs |
| 2014 | Virat Kohli | India | 319 runs |
| 2012 | Shane Watson | Australia | 249 runs & 11 wickets |
| 2010 | Kevin Pietersen | England | 248 runs |
| 2009 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 317 runs |
| 2007 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 91 runs & 12 wickets |
Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 2024
India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah won the Man of the Series award in the 2024 T20 World Cup for his exceptional bowling spells. Bumrah bowled key overs with the new and old ball and took regular wickets. His bowling average was 8.26 and economy rate was 4.17. Bumrah took 15 wickets, including two in the final. India beat South Africa by seven runs for their second T20 World Cup title.
Sam Curran (England) – 2022
Sam Curran won the Man of the Series award in the 2022 T20 World Cup for his exceptional bowling performances. Curran consistently took wickets and controlled the run rate. He took 13 wickets in the tournament, including three in the final. England beat Pakistan by five wickets for their second T20 World Cup title.
David Warner (Australia) – 2021
David Warner’s explosive batting performances in the 2021 T20 World Cup earned him the Player of the Series award. Warner played crucial innings, including a match-winning knock in the final, leading Australia to their first T20 World Cup title. Warner scored 289 runs at a strike rate of 146.70 in 7 matches.
Virat Kohli (India) – 2016
Virat Kohli repeated his Player of the Series feat in the 2016 T20 World Cup, again showing his exceptional batting skills. Kohli’s ability to chase down targets and play match-winning innings under pressure solidified his reputation as one of the best T20 batters in the world. He scored 273 runs with three fifties as India lost to West Indies in the semifinal.
Virat Kohli (India) – 2014
Virat Kohli’s consistent batting in the 2014 T20 World Cup earned him the Player of the Series award. Kohli consistently made runs, anchoring India’s innings and playing crucial knocks under pressure. His performances were vital to India’s run to the final. Kohli scored 319 runs with four fifties, but India lost to Sri Lanka in the final.
Shane Watson (Australia) – 2012
Shane Watson’s all-round brilliance in the 2012 T20 World Cup made him the Player of the Series. Watson dominated both with the bat and the ball, scoring runs rapidly and taking crucial wickets. His contributions were vital in Australia’s journey to the semifinals. Watson scored 239 and took 11 wickets in the tournament.
Kevin Pietersen (England) – 2010
Kevin Pietersen’s dynamic batting earned him the Player of the Series award in the 2010 T20 World Cup. Pietersen’s aggressive approach and multiple match-winning innings helped England secure their first ICC trophy. Pietersen scored 238 runs in 6 matches with 2 half-centuries.
Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 2009
Tillakaratne Dilshan was awarded the Player of the Series in the 2009 T20 World Cup for 317 runs in 7 matches. Dilshan introduced the “Dilscoop” shot, a daring innovation that surprised bowlers. His consistency at the top of the order was instrumental in Sri Lanka reaching the final. Sri Lanka lost to Pakistan by 8 wickets.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 2007
Shahid Afridi was named the Player of the Series in the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007. Afridi took key wickets with his leg spin and played vital cameos with the bat. His 91 runs and 12 wickets made him a standout player of the tournament. Pakistan lost to India by 5 runs in the final.
